Hawaiian Ti​

Botanical Name – Cordyline Terminalis 

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Cordyline Terminalis is a tropical stunner with large leaves ranging in color from variegated pale pinks and greens to purple or deep red, depending on the species. Native to the tropical climates of Hawaii and other Pacific islands, New Guinea and parts of Asia, the plant is suitable for planting in U.S. Department of Agriculture growing zones 10 through 11.  In cooler climates, place the Ti plant, also known as Cordyline fruticosa, in a container and bring it indoors for the winter, or grow it as a year-round indoor plant.  The shrub can reach an adult height of 10 feet. 

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The Hawaiian Ti or the Ti plant decorates any space that it occupies indoors or out, but it thrives outdoors in hardness zones 9 thru 12.  Cordyline Terminalis makes a wonderful houseplant provided given the proper care.  Caring for these plants indoors is simple and straightforward, keep them in a warm room with indirect light thought the day, they will do well in medium light (see: Light Compass for Housplants).  Their leathery leaves shaped like a spear or lance with a variety of coloring including green, red, yellow, white, purple, and purplish-red. 

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Some types in this group have scented flowers followed by small berries.  The plants produce white to pale lavender flowers that are cup-shaped and fragrant with a sweet-smell.  They bloom in early summer and then small berries will appear after the flowering.   It's more typical for flowering to occur in outdoor varieties, but flowers can appear on houseplants with the right plant requirements.

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As a houseplant, plant the Ti Plant in a potting mixture that holds moisture without remaining soggy in a well drainage container.  A high-quality commercial potting mixture works well, or you can create your own from a mixture of 1-part sand, 1-part perlite, and 2 parts peat moss, (see: mix your own soil)  Use a sturdy pot with a drainage hole in the bottom.

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Feed the plant a weak solution of a water-soluble fertilizer for indoor plants.  Mix the solution at a rate of 1 teaspoon of fertilizer for every gallon of water, and then apply the fertilizer once every month during spring and summer.  Alternatively, use a time-release fertilizer applied according to the directions on the label.

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Water the Ti plant thoroughly until water drips through the drainage hole, but only when the 1/2 inch of soil feels dry to the touch.  Allow the pot to drain, and then pour out water that remains in the drainage saucer.  Alternatively, place the pot in a sauce of water and allow the soil to absorb water until the top of the soil feels damp.  However, never allow the bottom of the pot to stand in water.