Ti Plant
Cordyline fruticosa
A tropical Cordyline with sword-shaped leaves in deep burgundy through neon pink. Color holds best in bright indirect light with high humidity and clean water that is low in fluoride and chlorine.
Light
Bright Indirect
Water
Moderate
Difficulty
Moderate
Humidity
High
Pet Warning
Contains saponins, which are toxic to both dogs and cats. Ingestion can lead to vomiting, drooling, and dilated pupils.
Care Notes
Light
Bright, indirect light keeps pinks and reds strong. Morning sun is fine. Afternoon sun scorches. Low light fades color toward green.
Water
Keep soil evenly moist, not soggy. Distilled or rainwater helps because Cordyline is sensitive to fluoride and chlorine that brown tips. Use a pot with drainage holes.
Soil
A rich, peat-based mix that drains well and stays slightly acidic suits this plant.
Humidity & Temperature
Keep humidity above 50% with a humidifier or pebble tray, especially in winter. Growth slows in fall and winter; water less and keep away from cold drafts and dry heating vents.
Common Issues
Brown tips often mean fluoride in tap water or low humidity. Spider mites love dry air; wipe leaves with a damp cloth to keep them clean.
In-Depth Care & Growth
Feeding & Soil
Fertilizer
Balanced liquid 10-10-10 fertilizer
Soil
Well-draining, rich, peat-based potting mix with a slightly acidic pH.
Physical Attributes
Mature Size
3 to 6 feet tall indoors
Growth Rate
Moderate
Propagation
Stem cuttings (cane cuttings), tip cuttings, or air layering.
Common Varieties
Red Sister
Lance-shaped leaves with deep burgundy-bronze centers and neon-pink edges.
Kiwi
Sword-shaped leaves in green and yellow with thin bright pink margins.
Sherbert
Broad sword-shaped leaves with deep green centers, creamy yellow variegation, and raspberry-pink margins.
Florida
Narrow lance-shaped leaves with forest-green centers and streaked hot pink and burgundy margins.
Glauca
Broad arching lance-shaped leaves in solid deep forest green with a matte or waxy finish.
Black Magic
Broad glossy sword-shaped foliage in uniform deep ebony to near-black.