Cordyline (Ti plants)
Location
General Plants
Cordyline fruticosa
- Common name: Ti plant, palm lily, cabbage palm, cordyline
- Scientific name: Cordyline, species names include Cordyline fructiosa and Cordyline australis
- Family name: Asparagaceae
- Origin: Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand
- Height: Varies between species, most tend to be around 3 ft tall
- Width: Varies between species, most tend to be about 2-4 ft wide
- Growth: Slow
- Zone: 8-12
- Light needs: Full sun to part shade
- Salt tolerance: Moderate
- Soil/pH/Texture: Prefers moist yet well-drained soil, can live in a variety of soil types; mildly acidic to mildly alkaline (pH 6.1-7.8)
- Moisture: Average water needs, should be watered when the soil becomes dry
- Drought tolerance: High
- Pests/Diseases: Very resistant to pests and diseases
- Growing conditions: Should be grown in a fertile, moist, well-drained area. It should be in a bright area with filtered, indirect sunlight. Will do well in the ground or in a container; makes a great houseplant. Should be fed with a slow-release fertilizer about every six months. It is susceptible to cold temperatures, so it is best to plant it when there is no risk of frost.
- Characteristics: Leaves can vary in shape, size, and color, but tend to be long and glossy and either magenta or green. Leaves grow out radially from the stem, which is woody. Many species may have multicolored leaves or colored bands that run down the leaves. Flowers vary between species but tend to grow off a scape that grows from the center of the plant. The flowers grow in clusters and tend to be pink or white, and may be fragrant.
- Propagation: By cuttings or by seeds
- Wildlife: Flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
- Facts: The name “cordyline” comes from the Greek word kordyle, translating to “club”, which is a reference to the enlarged rhizomes of the plant.
- Designer considerations: Good as an accent plant in sunny areas or in containers, as a houseplant or as an outdoor plant.