Ti plants are a tropical gardener's favorite; thumbs of all colors can grow cultivars to fit every niche, from full sun to deep shade. Astonishingly variable, ti plants grow in a rainbow of colors, from green to gold, maroon to deep purple, orange, pink, multicolored stripes and subtle pastels. Adaptable and hardy, ti plants are a pleasure to grow and are a welcome addition to any garden - indoors or out.
The early Polynesian voyagers brought ti logs to Hawaii when they traveled by sailing canoe over a thousand years ago. Hawaiians believe the ti is sacred, medicinal, and brings good luck on those who grow it. Crafters can use the leaves to fashion raincoats, cloaks, sandals and baskets. A hula skirt can be made from a few hundred leaves, or a simple lei can be made from just two! In Hawaii, the green ti leaf is used to wrap steamed taro, breadfruit, sweet potato or fish-served from the imu to the table.
Ti plants are used as accents in a garden: you can create a delightful palette of color in a small space making the best use of the variety of color and size of this versatile plant. Most ti are hardy,and some are known to tolerate salt spray. They are not picky about soil and are easy to grow, but do not tolerate frost. Ti are ideal for long established planting areas; height is easily maintained, and they require very little care.
Indoors, ti plants can be grown in any climate. A perennial favorite, they can be grown in full to filtered light, providing tropical color on even the darkest winter days. Green and red ti are most hardy, and require twice weekly watering and light misting in the drier climates.
Known formally as Cordyline fruticosa, or C. terminalis, ti plants are native to Australia, Asia, and New Zealand, but some of the finest cultivars have been developed and selected in Hawaii. Our family has been collecting for over two dozen years, and we have worked to find some of the most colorful and vigorous new cultivars, as well of the standard favorites known as heritage varieties. We are members of the International Cordyline Society and the Tropical Foliage Society, and we work with tropical gardens worldwide to provide information about the species.
Rainbows in the sky point the way to our farm, on the flanks of the Mauna Loa volcano on the Big Island. Graced by over 100 inches of "liquid sunshine" annually, the volcanic ash soil provides the ideal growing conditions for ti, so we are able to grow them entirely without pesticides and herbicides. We have a selection of over 500 varieties, and hope you enjoy those we offer here. Ti varieties are known by many names, and we strive for the most authentic, offering synonyms when known. We will be adding varieties often, so keep in touch. If there is something particular you are looking for, let us know.
Searching for Fuschia…Chartreuse…Crimson….Gold? We have Cordyline for every color in your palette, so visit our website and search by color, size, and shape-we'll help you find just the plant for your setting.
Ti "logs", or sections of the trunk are very easy to root: you can bury the base approximately 1-3" into a light, fast draining medium, such as peat moss/ perlite mix, to get a single cane, OR lay the log horizontally on the medium and bury 1/2 the width of the log into it; this will yield multiple sprouts. Maintain moisture, warmth and light. Top cuttings and/or longer logs are available upon request.
Special Ti Nursery, call (808) 769-2403 for more information, write to Deborah Ward at P.O.Box 918, Kurtistown HI 96760 USA