Dragon Tree - Polynesian Palm

Ti Plant - Polynesian Palm

Originally from Polynesia, the plant with the Latin name Cordyline Fruticosa is cultivated as Ti Plant in our regions. This plant has several names under which you may know it. It is also known as the Ti plant, lily palm, Cordyline, or cabbage plant. Cordyline Fructicosa belongs to evergreen plants. It was formerly classified in the agave family (lat. Agavaceae), but now belongs to the asparagus family (lat. Asparagaceae). This family includes plants, shrubs, and vines.

The Ti plant originates from Polynesia and grows in Southeast Asia and northern Australia. It is found in Papua New Guinea and Melanesia. It was brought to Hawaii and New Zealand by Polynesian inhabitants, where it became naturalized. In the wild, the Ti plant grows to a height of around 4m. The leaves are flat, long, and grow at the top of a woody stem. The leaf dimensions can reach up to 60cm in length and 10cm in width.

The Ti Plant's inflorescence consists of a panicle up to 60 cm long, formed by small yellow to red flowers. These flowers have a beautiful fragrance. The plant's inflorescence is very fragrant and decorative. The inflorescence ends with fruits - red berries. These berries are called Tiberries.

Growing the Ti Plant

The Ti plant will be among your favorite plants. It is suitable for offices. It is sufficiently decorative for modern interiors. You can have it as a solitaire in a hall or large room. It is suitable for sunny, bright apartments. Read more about how to grow the Ti plant:

Location - the Ti plant loves light. If you are growing a Ti plant with colored leaves, then more light is needed than for "just" green-leaved varieties. The temperature should not drop below 18°C.

Substrate - For growing this houseplant, choose a heavier substrate. Enrich it with sand, farmyard manure, and marble grit.

Propagation - the plant is most commonly propagated by cuttings. For cutting, use suitable tools - sharp scissors or a knife. Place the cut upper parts of leaves - about 10cm - in a glass of water. It is advisable to add a little charcoal to the water. We add it to prevent rot from spreading and destroying our cuttings. Roots will not appear immediately; you may wait up to 2 months for them.

Watering - The Ti plant is undemanding when it comes to watering. Since it comes from a tropical region, it prefers higher air humidity. Ensure this through regular misting. Moderate watering is sufficient. Do not overwater the plant. Standing water is harmful to it. In winter, reduce watering to a minimum.

Fertilizing - add fertilizer every 14 days. Choose a fertilizer for ornamental foliage plants. Fertilize from April to August.

Recommendations

Recommendation - it's advisable not only to mist the plant, but you can also shower it several times a year. This way you'll remove dust from the ornamental leaves and the plant will be reborn.

Repotting - Cordyline should be repotted once every 2 years. Ideally in spring. Don't forget to add a suitable drainage layer of clay pebbles or marble chips to the new pot. You can also add both to the prepared substrate. Enrich it with fertilizer containing lignohumate or use liquid fertilizer for palms. You can enrich the substrate with sheep manure.

TIP: If you don't mix fertilizer into the substrate, you can insert fertilizer sticks into the pot. Nutrients will be released slowly with each watering. Choose fertilizer sticks for ornamental foliage plants.

Overwintering - reduce watering to a minimum during winter months. Ensure room temperature around 8-10°C. Place plants in light. Reduce fertilizing. Don't place the plant near central heating. Leaf tips may dry out. In excessively dry rooms/apartments, place a bowl of water on the radiator or use a humidifier.

Cordyline - Indoor Plant

Three species of Cordyline are grown in our indoor conditions. Cordyline terminalis is popular. Its top leaves have red to bright pink color. They are very decorative. Suitable even for modern interiors. If you grow Cordyline as an indoor plant, it reaches a height of 20-40cm.

Indoor-grown Cordyline is a plant similar to Dracaena. It also has a woody stem topped with a "tuft" of leaves. Cordyline australis, Cordyline indivista, Cordyline fruticosa Red Edge and Cordyline Stricta are also grown as indoor plants.

What to watch out for when growing? Make sure to observe the plant's winter period. Don't overwater it and don't forget sufficient light. Don't expose Cordyline to low temperatures. If whitish spots appear on the plant's leaves, it's getting too much direct sunlight. Move it away from direct sunlight. Place it in a bright location without direct sun exposure.

Have you encountered this exotic plant before?

Share the article with friends on Facebook!

Author: Hana Michalíková