Cordyline Growers

[Matheous-2]

Anyone know when to 'prune' or not to 'prune'?.... I have three specimens -two of which are quite large (all in containers) One has a few 'broken' leaves(?) and I don't know whether to remove these or just let them die-off naturally....

[ladybirder]

Here's all you need to know, I think:-)
https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=543

[1ozzy]

I was about to post a link for you.
But....
What Ladybirder says.

[Chipchopper]

Leaves which have turned brown will eventually fall off but they do look rather unsightly in the meantime and can hang there for a long long time.

I've grown these myself for many years and what I do is test by gently pulling on a leaf and if it doesn't come away easily, then I get a heavy duty pair of kitchen scissors ( not found shears that will cut through the tough fibers) and cut them back close to the main stem.

[lilacben]

I was going to ask the same thing..as well as saying how on earth do you cut the dead leaves off!!! I have tried everything and they still will not cut off.! Have even cut my fingers trying to pull them off.!
The one we are trying to tidy up has a few off shoots about two foot long now..we are thinking of taking the middle one right down so it isnt so all in the middle ...do you think it would be ok? By the way it is in the ground.

[Chipchopper]

I can't see any problem in taking the middle one out Lilacben.
If its only 2ft tall, I guess its not too thick. Use a pruning saw or loppers if the jaws will open wide enough and cut it low to the ground.
You may expect a few off-shoots to come up but you can always nip em in the bud.