Common Name: Cordyline, Ti Plant, Good Luck Plant
Scientific Name: Cordyline spp.
Type of Plant: Tropical/Accent
Description: Cordylines have fabulous foliage for dramatic color and provide height and a look of the tropics to Florida gardens.
Mature Size: 6-8′ tall x 2-4′ wide
Blooms: yes, some varieties more noticeable than others
Fruit: no
Climate Requirements: Bright shade works fine for all, though some can take more sun than others…morning sun, preferably. You often see ti plants doing fine in sunny areas, but they can become brown-edged and raggedy, so give yours afternoon shade. Plant in an area protected from wind so the foliage doesn’t become shredded and unattractive.
Care Requirements: Trimming is totally unnecessary, other than pruning in late spring to early summer, if you like, to control height and/or encourage fuller growth. Fertilize twice a year (spring and fall) with a good quality granular fertilizer. Don’t over-fertilize these plants.
To encourage a fuller look at varying levels, prune during warm spring weather. To do this, cut off a cane at a lower height and it will usually sprout a new “head” or two from the sides of the cut. Rather than chopping off the heads of all the canes at once, cut the tallest one first. After it sprouts new growth, do the next tallest one. This way some foliage is visible while you’re pruning the plant. Plant each cutting back into the ground near the base of the original plant (or start it in a container) – most will root and grow. Remove most of the leaves to help the cutting get rooted.
Spacing: Space plants 24-36″ apart
Water Needs: These plants don’t like to stay wet, so give them regular irrigation with time to dry out a bit between waterings.
Maintenance: Low
Special Uses/Attributes: Landscape uses for cordylines
- backdrop
- tall accent for entry or garden bed
- architectural accent
- semi-privacy plant by a window, deck, porch or patio
- along a blank wall
Florida Native: No