The ti plant (Cordyline fruticosa) is a beautiful tropical evergreen that makes a truly wonderful plant to grow indoors.
Cordyline is a plant genus endemic to the Pacific islands and Southeast Asia. There are many incredible cultivars of this plant, and the colorful variety and leaf variegation patterns that horticulturalists have been able to develop is quite astonishing.Â
There are many beautiful cordyline varieties, but this article introduces nine very different types. They are equally wonderful Ti plant varieties that you can grow in your home. So let’s meet these stars of the plant world.
Ti plants hail from tropical areas of Australia, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. These plants are medium to large houseplants that are easily grow. Their basic requirements are:
- Bright indirect light or direct sunlight
- Moist soil
- A humid environment
For more detailed information, be sure to check out this article that outlines everything you need to know about caring for and growing these special plants.
‘Florida’
The ‘Florida’ cultivar of C. fruticosa is a dramatic-looking broadleaf foliage plant. This form has dark red and green leaves that take on an overall burgundy hue. Like many other Cordyline plant selections, the color of the young growth differs quite markedly, and in this case, it’s hot pink to red. Â
‘Black Magic’Â
The purple black foliage of this cultivar is so dark that the plant looks almost black. The color of the leaves does vary greatly with age, however.Â
On an actively growing ‘Black Magic’ plant, the new growth at the top of the plant can be bright green. The color changes progressively through copper and purple-toned leaves which merge into the almost black growth on the lower levels. The effect is really quite striking.Â
‘Rubra’
This upright ti plant has an overall red coloration. Mature leaves may be reddish-green along the center of the blade, merging with a pure red at the margins. Young growth at the top of plants is often a bright, shocking pink color that is definitely an eyecatcher.
‘Morning Sunshine’
The new growth of ‘Morning Sunshine’ is marked in dazzling shades of orange, pink, and green, reminiscent of warm dawn sunlight with light green leaves. Once mature, the foliage turns a solid lime green shade.Â
‘Candy Cane’
‘Candy Cane’ is one of the most striking Cordyline plants available. The foliage of this form consists of three colors, namely white, red and green. Young leaves are white with red margins, which is why the name of this cultivar is so fitting.Â
As the leaves mature, they develop green centers, and the white and red stripes are pushed towards the margins. These plants should be sheltered from strong direct afternoon sun.
‘Miss Andrea’
Like the previous cultivar in our list, this compact form of the popular ti plant has multi-colored foliage. ‘Miss Andrea’ is a little less vivid, however, but still has a beautiful painted look.
The leaves of this form are marked in cream, green, purple, and grey hues which makes for a beautiful potted specimen. This form is known to be slower growing than other selections and does not grow quite as tall.
‘Soledad Purple’
This popular form has glossy bright green leaves. When young, it has purple foliage.Â
This is an easy-to-grow cultivar that is relatively tough and works well for both outdoor and indoor planting.‘Soledad’ purple produces impressive inflorescences of beautiful, dark purple flowers.Â
Cordyline australis
One of the most striking varieties of Ti plants is the Cordyline australis, also known as the Cabbage Tree. This majestic species is native to New Zealand, where it can reach heights of 20 meters (66 feet).
Its stout trunk and sword-like leaves, which grow up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) long, clustered at the branches’ tips, create a characteristic feature of the New Zealand landscape.
Beyond its aesthetics, the Cordyline terminalis holds cultural significance for many Austronesian and Papuan peoples. It is associated with good luck plant, prosperity, and new beginnings, making it a popular gift and decorative element in traditional ceremonies and celebrations.
Cordyline terminalis
Another captivating Ti plant is the Cordyline terminalis, or the Good Luck Plant or Ti Plant. This tropical beauty, originating from Asia and the Pacific Islands, thrives in warm, humid environments. Depending on the cultivar, it features vibrant foliage, ranging from shades of pink and green to deep burgundy and red.
Cordyline terminalis boasts slender trunks topped with a cluster of elongated, lance-shaped leaves, creating an eye-catching fan-like effect. It typically grows 2-10 feet tall, adding a touch of drama and tropical flair to gardens in warmer climates.
Its attractive foliage makes it the most popular grown indoors in cooler regions.
Cordyline fruticosa ‘Red Sister’
Cordyline fruticosa ‘Red Sister’, with its fiery pink new leaves transitioning to deep burgundy, adds a vibrant burst of color to any garden. This multi-stemmed clump forms a bold presence, boasting broad, sword-like leaves that shimmer in the sunlight.
Thriving in warm climes, this classic variety attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, making it a low-maintenance choice for adding a touch of the tropics to your landscape.
Conclusion
With so many beautiful foliage colors available, there is surely a ti plant to suit anyone’s tastes. They are long-lived and easy to care for, only needing regular watering and a fairly humid environment. If you have a bright space in your home crying out for a new house plant, why not fill it with one of these great cultivars?
