Ti Plant Cordyline fruticosa

The Ti plant is a broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree with multi-colored leaves and is popular as a houseplant. This flowering tropical plant has stunning foliage with shades of pale pink, green, purple or deep red depending on the cultivar. It is native to Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Western Pacific Islands. It is frequently grown in Hawaiian gardens, and it is believed to bring good luck. The genus name, Cordyline, is from the Greek word, kordyle, that means club. The specific epithet, fruticosa, means shrubby.  It is a member of the  asparagus family (Asparagaceae).

This plant requires bright indirect light to maintain its bright foliage colors. It prefers moist, well-drained, fertile loamy soil or peat-based potting mix and medium humidity. It should be watered regularly, but allow the plant to dry out a bit between watering. Watering should be reduced during the fall to late winter. This plant prefers high humidity and humidifier may be required when grown indoors. Fertilizing the plant several times a year will also help it to maintain its colors. The plant is winter hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10 to 12 and does not tolerate temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. It does best at temperatures between 65 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.  It has a rhizomatous root system and can be propagated by division. The plants can also be grown from stem sections that are available commercially and are known as Ti logs. 

The Ti plant can grow up to 9 to 15 feet tall and 3 to 8 feet wide The foliage is spirally arranged, lance-shaped, and each leaf can measure up to 30 inches long and 6 inches wide. Up to 12-inch long panicles of small, fragrant white to pale lavender flowers appear during the spring or summer and are followed by red berries. Potted indoor plants rarely flower or fruit.

The Ti plant is highly prized because of its tropical flowers, and the colorful foliage will add interest to your home garden. This plant may be used for garden borders, as a container planting, or as a houseplant. When considering this plant, whether indoor or outdoor use, be sure that the light, temperature, and humidity requirements can be maintained.

Quick ID Hints: 

• Leaves have grooved petioles (often confused with Dracaena spp., which have no petioles)
• Leaves are usually tinged or splashed with red
• White roots (Dracaena has orange or yellow roots)

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Monitor for aphids, scale insects, spider mites, fungus gnats, thrips, and mealybugs. It may be susceptible to leaf spot and other fungal diseases. Provide good air circulation and avoid overwatering or soggy wet soil. The leaf tips will turn brown if the air is too dry. 

This plant is toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. The Ti plant is considered to have a low toxicity in humans and can cause gastro-intestinal discomfort, if ingested. Supervise children and pets in the presence of this plant. Wear gloves when handling the plant due to the risk of skin irritation.

More information on Cordyline.