Species

Cordyline fruticosaTi Plant

2 other cultivars

tropical

Ti Plant

Cordyline fruticosa 'Rubra'

The Story

Plant Bio

Cordyline fruticosa is an erect, woody evergreen shrub that develops a slender trunk, eventually becoming bare at the base over time. The species produces large, branched terminal panicles of white to pale pink or lavender flowers during the summer months.

'Rubra' is distinguished by its broad, strap-shaped leaves that exhibit deep reddish-purple to burgundy coloration. This intense pigmentation is especially vibrant on the newly emerging foliage at the center of the crown.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides dramatic vertical structure and vibrant, year-round burgundy foliage to tropical gardens and indoor spaces.

Highly adaptable to container culture, making it easy to overwinter indoors in temperate climates.

The summer flowers provide nectar for visiting insects and occasional hummingbirds when grown outdoors.

SpeciesCordyline fruticosaTi Plant

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tropical

Height

118"

Width

71"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

Water

Medium

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Southeast Asia and Western Pacific

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Summer

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with dappled shade or partial sun, ensuring protection from harsh midday sun to prevent leaf scorch.
Prepare a humus-rich, free-draining loam or sandy loam soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.1 and 7.5.
Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged, as poor drainage rapidly induces root rot.
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once in spring to support active foliage growth throughout the warm season.

Pro Tip

Avoid pruning deep into old, leafless wood that lacks active eyes, as this prevents healthy regeneration. Instead, cut leggy stems back hard in spring to active nodes to stimulate fresh, dense branching from the base.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide high humidity and shelter from strong, drying winds.
Remove yellowed or dead lower leaves as they naturally age and drop.
Bring container specimens indoors before temperatures drop near freezing.

Don't

Do not allow the soil to dry out completely, which causes the plant to drop its lower leaves.
Do not use overhead irrigation, as wet foliage increases susceptibility to fungal leaf spots.
Do not plant in heavy, poorly drained clay soils that retain excess water.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Patio ContainerIndoor HouseplantTropical AccentUnderstory Border

Companion Plants

Philodendron Nephrolepis exaltata Caladium Ficus lyrata

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Ti Plant questions

What zones can Ti Plant grow in?

Ti Plant is hardy in USDA Zone 10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Ti Plant deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Ti Plant, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Ti Plant bloom?

Ti Plant typically blooms in summer through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Ti Plant need full sun?

Ti Plant does best in part shade.