General Description/History

A popular tropical plant and indoor pot plant, Cordyline leaves are spear shaped and brightly coloured, often with stripes of red, pink, yellow and pale green. Leaves are up to 60 cm long and @ 6 cm wide. The most popular and common Cordyline used as an ornamental plant is C. fructicosa, also know in Polynesia as the Ti plant. There are many species and forms, ranging from dark green with bright pink leaf edges, to pale green with light pink stripes. Each leaf has a short stem of about 4 to 6 cm long.

What to look for

• Brightly coloured leaves;
• Avoid drooping leaves or those with brown marks or edges.

Flower Care

1. Do not refrigerate – keep at room temperature.
2. If possible, cut at least 1 cm off each stem and place in water immediately.
3. A preservative is optional.
4. Replace vase water with fresh water every second day.

Interesting Facts about this Flower

In Polynesia the Ti plant has many uses: woven together to form thatched roofs, or to make cloth, and the starchy rhizome can be eaten. This plant was thought to have great spiritual power; only high priests and chiefs were able to wear leaves around their necks. It is also a very popular type of lei.

Botanical Name: Cordyline fructicosa.

Common Names: Cordyline, Ti

Stem Length: 30 – 60 cm

Country of Origin: Tropical Asia, western Pacific, including Australia, PNG, NZ, Hawaii

Available Colours: Green, Pink, Red, Yellow

Season: Summer,Autumn,Winter,Spring

Availability: January,February,March,April,May,June,July,August,September,October,November,Decemeber