Cordyline fruticosa aka Broadleaf Palm Lily

Taxonomy

Cordyline fruticosa, also known as ti plant, palm lily, or cabbage palm, is an evergreen flowering plant in the family Asparagaceae. It holds great cultural significance in the traditional animistic religions of Austronesian and Papuan peoples in the Pacific Islands, New Zealand, Island Southeast Asia, and Papua New Guinea. This versatile plant is not only cultivated for its ornamental value, with its striking leaves that come in various colors including red, green, purple, black, and pink, but also for its use in food and traditional medicine. Growing up to 1.2m tall, Cordyline fruticosa is an erect, suckering shrub with glossy green and white striped leaves that have a broad red margin. It makes an excellent foliage houseplant. In Mediterranean-style gardens, it serves as a perfect companion plant, adding beauty with its large, gorgeous leaves and blooming flowers during the summer. Native to Southeast Asia, Hawaii, and Australia, the ti leaf can reach heights of 3-12ft(1-4m) when grown outdoors. However, when grown indoors, it remains more manageable, reaching heights of 3-6ft(1-2m). Overall, Cordyline fruticosa, or the ti plant, is a versatile and visually appealing plant that brings cultural significance, ornamental beauty, and practical uses to gardens, households, and traditional practices across various regions.

Common names

Broadleaf Palm Lily, Ti Plant, Good Luck Plant

How to care for Broadleaf Palm Lily

Difficulty

Broadleaf Palm Lily is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Broadleaf Palm Lily should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Broadleaf Palm Lily loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Broadleaf Palm Lily prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Humidity

The Broadleaf Palm Lily is not in need of supplementary humidity. Most water is taken in by plants through their roots, thus soil watering is the most efficient way to provide humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

The Broadleaf Palm Lily should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Broadleaf Palm Lily’s native range is Western Pacific.


More info:
Wikipedia