Cordyline fruticosa

Common Names

Good Luck Plant, Hawaiian Ti Plant, Ti Plant, Baby Doll Ti Plant, Hawaiian Good Luck Plant, Palm Lily, Cabbage Palm, Cabbage Tree, Ki

Summary

Ti plant is a tropical broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree native to tropical regions of Southeast Asia and Pacific Islands, widely grown as an ornamental for colorful foliage. It forms upright canes with long, sword-shaped leaves arranged in a spiral, with cultivars ranging from green to pink, red, or purple; leaves typically reach about 1–2 ft long, and multicolored forms such as tricolor or red edge are common; summer panicles of small white to pale flowers occur in natural habitats, though indoors flowering is rare.

Cultivation favors bright indirect light and warm temperatures, with high humidity and consistently moist, well-drained soil; water when the top inch of soil dries and avoid waterlogging, using fluoride-free water when possible. Propagation is commonly by stem cuttings or cane sections, and the plant serves as a focal point or container specimen in tropical or warm climates, with uses ranging from ornamental feature to cut foliage in floral arrangements; it is toxic to cats and dogs.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

3-15 feet

Spread

3-8 ft

Hardiness Zones

Zones 9-12

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun; tolerates partial sun to partial shade, with partial shade favored in very hot climates.

Soil Type

Well-drained, acidic soil (pH about 5.5–6.5).

Soil Drainage

Well-draining soil that remains evenly moist but not wet

Soil pH

5.5–6.5, slightly acidic

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Green, often with red, pink, and cream; multicolored varieties exist.

Fall Foliage Color

No fall color change

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Moderate growth rate.

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering, Division, Tissue culture

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts birds