It can be grown as a landscape specimen in tropical climates but ismore often grown as a potted houseplant.
In spring, outdoor plants may produce small six-petaled star-shaped florets on a dropping branched stem or panicle.
If grown outdoors in the garden, ti plant is best planted in the spring.
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It is toxic to humans and pets.
Ti plants can, however, tolerate a location with bright filtered light for the entire day.
In low-light conditions, these plants may lose some of their bright color and become greener.
When grown indoors, give ti plant as much bright, indirect light as possible.
Soil
Ti plants prefer slightly acidic soil that is fertile and well-drained.
Sandy orloamy soilwith plenty of organic matter works well.
Avoid wet or hard clay and sites with salt spray.
Water
In a garden, ti plant grows best in moist soil.
Without rain,water deeply(about one inch of water) twice a week.
In fall and winter dial back to around every two weeks.
Do this around once a week.
Ti plant grows best where temperatures stay in a steady range between 65 and 95F.
Indoors, avoid locations with drafts from windows or doors during the winter.
Like many tropical plants, the ti plant prefers a fairlyhumid environment.
Spread the fertilizer evenly around the soil at least one foot away from the plant’s base.
Potted plants should be fed monthly with a water-soluble balanced fertilizer.
For the amount to use, follow the product label instructions.
During the fall and winter, withhold feeding, as the plant slows its growth rate.
Some favorites include:
Pruning
The only essential pruning is to remove yellowed leaves as they appear.
It is quite natural for old leaves to die out as the plant matures.
Cut down lanky or unattractive stalks.
It’s safe to shear the ti plant as low as 6 inches from the top of the soil.
The cuts may seem drastic, but healthy new shoots will quickly grow.
Pruning Tip
Looking for the best pruners to keep your ti plant in tip-top shape?
Always use sharp, sterile pruners to best care for your plants.
Or, if you have a ti plant that blooms,harvest the berries in the spring.
Either plant the berries or mash the berries lightly to extract the seedsthey may germinate faster this way.
Potting and Repotting Ti Plant
A well-draining potting soil will work best for potting your ti plant.
Any material will work for the container, but it must have several drainage holes.
When repotting, choose a new container that is only slightly larger than the previous one.
As the plants become more mature, the growth rate slows and they need repotting less often.
Opt for a wide, heavy container to provide balance for taller plants.
To prevent insect infestations, wipe the foliage regularly with a clean damp cloth.
In shady or soggy conditions, the plant attracts snails and slugs.
Another cause for browning leaf tips and margins is too much fluoride in water.
Use distilled water where this is a problem.
Move it to a spot that receives at least six hourspreferably eight hoursof sunlight every day.
If you don’t have a spot available, use artificial grow lights to restore leaf color.
With indoor plants, using artificial grow lights helps restore the leaf color.
In perfect landscape conditions, this plant may live longer than 50 years.
Dracaena plants have orange or yellow roots, while ti plant has white roots.
Ti plant was actually once classified within theDracaenagenus.
North Carolina State Extension.
Cordyline (Ti Plant) Diseases.Penn State Extension.
University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
