Ti plant care guide
Cordyline fruticosa
Also known as: Good luck plant, Cordyline terminalis, Hawaiian ti
Pets and children
Considered toxic
Saponins in the leaves and stems can cause vomiting, loss of appetite, drooling, and lethargy; keep it out of reach and consult a veterinarian (or a doctor, for a child) if eaten.
How often to water Ti plant
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 5 days
- Water thoroughly once the topsoil is dry, as a guide; if it dries out, the leaf tips brown.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 7 days
- Once it cools, wait about a day or two after the soil dries before watering.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 10 days
- Water sparingly roughly three to four days after the soil dries, and mist to offset dry heated air.
Light and placement for Ti plant
Generally best in bright light through a sheer curtain; the red and pink leaf colors turn dull and greenish in poor light, while midsummer sun scorches the leaves.
Overwintering Ti plant
Overwintering guide: 10°C (50°F) or above
Tender: as a guide keep it indoors in a bright spot above about 10°C, bringing it in early in autumn, away from cold windows and heater drafts, with misting for humidity and sparing watering.
Fertilizing and repotting Ti plant
Fertilizer
From May to September, a diluted liquid feed about every two weeks or slow-release fertilizer roughly every two months; light does more for the leaf color than extra feeding, and none is given in winter.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Ti plant
- Spider mites thrive in dry indoor air and the leaf tips brown.
- Winter cold makes the leaves droop and yellow from the bottom up.
- Too little light drains the red from the leaves and stretches the plant.
Tips for growing Ti plant
- It likes humidity; misting the undersides of the leaves helps prevent spider mites and tip browning.
- When the stem gets bare, cut it back in spring for side shoots, and root the cut top as a cutting.
- If the tips keep browning, try tap water left to stand overnight.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
