With common names like miracle plant, tree of kings, and Hawaiian good luck plant, it makes sense that Hawaiian Ti plants have become such popular accent plants for the home. Most of us welcome all the good luck we can get. However, Ti plants are not just grown for their positive folk names; their unique, dramatic foliage speaks for itself. This same eye-catching, evergreen foliage can be an excellent accent in the outdoor landscape as well. With such a tropical looking plant, many people skeptically question, “can you grow Ti plants outside?” Continue reading to learn about growing Ti plants in the landscape.
Can You Grow Ti Plants Outside?
Native to eastern Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands, Ti plants (Cordyline fruticosa and Cordyline terminalis) are hardy in U.S. hardiness zones 10 to 12. While they can handle a brief chill down to 30 degrees F. (-1 C.), they grow best where temperatures stay in a steady range between 65 and 95 degrees F. (18-35 C.). In cooler climates, they should be grown in pots that can be taken indoors through winter. Ti plants are extremely heat-tolerant; however, they cannot handle drought. They grow best in a moist location with partial shade but can handle full sun to dense shade. For the best foliage display, a light-filtered shade is recommended. Ti plants are mostly grown for their colorful, evergreen foliage. Depending on the variety, this foliage may be a dark, glossy green, a deep, glossy red, or have variegations of green, white, pink, and red. Variety names such as, ‘Firebrand,’ ‘Painter’s Palette,’ and ‘Oahu Rainbow’ describe their outstanding foliage displays. Ti plants can grow up to 10 feet (3 m.) tall and are usually 3 to 4 feet (1 m.) wide at maturity. In the landscape, they are used as specimen, accent, and foundation plants, as well as privacy hedges or screens.
Care of Outdoor Ti Plants
Ti plants grow best in slightly acidic soil. This soil should also be consistently moist, as Ti plants require a lot of moisture and cannot survive drought. However, if the site is too shady and soggy, Ti plants may be susceptible to root and stem rot, snail and slug damage, as well as leaf spot. Ti plants also do not tolerate salt spray. Outdoor Ti plants can easily be propagated by simple layering or divisions. Care of outdoor Ti plants is as simple as regularly watering them, applying a general purpose 20-10-20 fertilizer every three to four months, and regular trimming of dead or diseased foliage. Ti plants can be cut right back to the ground if pests or disease have become a problem. Common pests of outdoor Ti plants include:
-
How To Get Rid Of Mosquitoes In The Garden: 9 Natural Ways To Make Them Buzz Off!How to get rid of mosquitoes is on the minds of people in the summer in almost every region of the world. Learn how to repel the pests without toxic chemicals.
-
Monkey Orchid Care: How To Grow This Fascinating SpeciesThe monkey orchid bears a remarkable resemblance to its namesake and, with a little know-how, can be successfully grown as a houseplant.
-
Yellowing Ti Plant Leaves: What Causes Yellow Leaves On Ti PlantsHawaiian Ti plants are valued for colorful, variegated foliage. However, leaves turning yellow may indicate a problem. Learn more here.
-
Cordyline Plant Varieties: Different Types Of Cordyline Plants To GrowAlso known as ti plants and often mislabeled as dracaena, cordyline plants belong to their own genus. They make excellent houseplants, and with a little information about cordyline care, you can easily grow them by a sunny, warm window. Learn more in this article.
-
Red Star Dracaena Care: Learn About Growing Red Star DracaenasLooking for something interesting to grow in the garden or home? Consider adding Red Star dracaena to your list. The dark red, almost burgundy, sword-like leaves are sure to be just what the doctor ordered. Click the following article to learn more.
-
Ti Plant Care - Growing A Hawaiian Ti Plant IndoorsHawaiian ti plants are once again becoming popular houseplants. New owners to wonder about proper ti plant care. Growing the plant is easy when you know a few things about it. This article will help.
