Cussonia ‘Cussonic’

Cussonia ‘Cussonic’, which we call the African Cabbage Tree, is an unusual architectural houseplant with beautifully divided green leaves arranged in dramatic, umbrella-like clusters. The intricate foliage gives it an almost tropical, bonsai-like appearance, making it a brilliant choice if you are looking for an indoor plant that feels genuinely different from the usual Ficus, Monstera or palm.

Supplied in a generous 17cm diameter nursery pot at approximately 50cm tall, ‘Cussonic’ already has plenty of presence. As it matures, its stems thicken and gradually develop a more textured, cork-like character, creating an increasingly sculptural small tree.

Light & Position

Cussonia ‘Cussonic’ likes plenty of light. Indoors, choose a bright position with good indirect light and, ideally, some gentle direct morning or evening sunshine.

It can tolerate some partial shade, but avoid keeping it in a dark corner. Strong light will encourage healthier, more compact growth and help the plant maintain its distinctive architectural shape.

Watering

Allow the upper few centimetres of compost to dry before watering thoroughly, then allow all excess water to drain away. Cussonia is relatively tolerant of short dry periods but does not like sitting in permanently wet compost.

Water more regularly during spring and summer while the plant is actively growing, then reduce watering considerably during autumn and winter. Good drainage is particularly important during the cooler months.

Humidity & Temperature

Cussonia ‘Cussonic’ is well suited to normal household humidity and does not require regular misting. Warm, bright indoor conditions suit it well.

For a plant being grown primarily as a houseplant, we recommend keeping winter temperatures comfortably above 10°C and protecting it from cold draughts and frost.

Feeding

Feed approximately once a month during spring and summer while the plant is actively growing using a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser. A suitable cactus or succulent feed can also be used.

Reduce or stop feeding during autumn and winter.

Growth & Care

‘Cussonic’ develops into an upright, branching small tree with distinctive foliage concentrated towards the ends of its stems. As the plant matures, the trunk and branches gradually become thicker and more textured, giving it an increasingly sculptural appearance.

It responds well to pruning if you would like to maintain a more compact form or encourage branching. When repotting, choose a free-draining growing medium and avoid moving the plant into a container that is dramatically larger than its existing pot.

Can Cussonia ‘Cussonic’ Grow Outdoors in the UK?

Yes – during the warmer months. In the UK we recommend treating ‘Cussonic’ primarily as a houseplant or conservatory plant that can spend summer outdoors, rather than as a permanently hardy garden tree.

Once night temperatures are reliably mild, usually from late spring onwards, it can be moved to a sheltered patio or terrace. Introduce it gradually to stronger outdoor sunshine over a week or two rather than moving it straight from indoors into full sun.

Outdoor plants may need watering more frequently during warm weather, although the compost should still be allowed to dry slightly between waterings.

Bring it back indoors before autumn nights become consistently cold. In Scotland, and particularly around Edinburgh, we would not recommend leaving it outdoors through winter.

Why You'll Love It

• Extraordinary deeply divided, umbrella-like green foliage
• Architectural shape that stands out from more familiar houseplants
• Generous 17cm diameter plant at approximately 50cm tall
• Relatively drought tolerant once established
• Develops a thicker, cork-textured trunk as it matures
• Can spend the warmer months outdoors on a patio or terrace
• Winner of Best Houseplant at Four Oaks Trade Show 2026

Pet & Child Safety

Reliable information about the toxicity of Cussonia ‘Cussonic’ to cats, dogs and humans is limited. Until more definitive information is available, we recommend keeping the plant out of reach of pets and young children and discouraging chewing or ingestion.

Plant Details

Botanical Name: Cussonia ‘Cussonic’
Also Sold As: Cussonia spicata ‘Cussonic’
Common Name: African Cabbage Tree / Cabbage Tree
Family: Araliaceae
Nursery Pot Size: 17cm diameter
Approximate Height: Around 50cm
Fits Decorative Pot Size: 19cm+
Growth Habit: Upright / branching small tree
Position: Indoors; suitable outdoors during warmer months