Add a little tropical magic to your home with the Cordyline terminalis, better known as the Ti Plant or Hawaiian Good Luck Tree. Known for its bold, colorful foliage—ranging from deep burgundy to hot pink—this plant doesn’t just make a visual statement, it’s also steeped in cultural significance. Traditionally planted near doorways for good fortune, it’s a vibrant, meaningful way to brighten any room. With proper care and the right light, this plant flourishes into a tall, elegant beauty.
This plant thrives in bright, indirect light. A bit of morning sun helps boost growth, especially for red and pink varieties that need stronger lighting to retain their colour. Too much direct sun, however, can scorch the leaves. In low-light interiors, the foliage may become dull or revert to greener tones—supplemental lighting can help.
Ideal indoor temperatures range from 18°C to 27°C. Keep it away from cold drafts, heat pumps, or unheated entryways. If exposed to temperatures below 15°C for extended periods, the plant may drop leaves or stop growing.
Water when the top few centimetres of soil feel dry. Maintain light moisture but avoid soggy conditions. This species is sensitive to chemicals like fluoride commonly found in tap water, which can cause brown leaf tips—filtered or rainwater is best.
Use a well-aerated, free-draining mix. Standard indoor potting soil with added perlite or pumice improves drainage and prevents root rot. A slightly acidic to neutral pH is ideal.
During spring and summer, feed monthly with a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer. Consistent feeding helps maintain healthy foliage and encourages new growth.
Potting:
Choose a pot with drainage holes to prevent excess moisture from collecting at the base. A breathable container like terracotta can also help regulate soil moisture if overwatering is a concern.
Repotting:
Repot every two to three years or when roots begin to circle the base of the pot. Early spring is the best time to do this. Select a new container that’s just a few centimetres larger to avoid overly wet soil between waterings.
Wipe down the leaves regularly using a damp cloth. Removing dust helps the plant absorb more light and keeps the foliage looking vibrant.
Snip off any yellow or dried leaves at their base. If stems become too tall or sparse, cutting them back slightly can promote bushier growth over time.
This colourful foliage plant brings visual warmth to any space and does best where it gets consistent, filtered light. A bright living room corner near an east- or north-facing window is ideal. Morning light will boost its colour without causing leaf scorch, especially in red or pink cultivars
.In kitchens or dining areas, it works well on a bench or side table as long as there’s enough ambient light. It also fits nicely into sunrooms or conservatories, provided there’s protection from intense afternoon sun.
Avoid placing it in dark hallways, south-facing corners, or spots exposed to sudden drafts and cold air. Humid rooms like bathrooms can also suit it well—provided the lighting is strong enough. Grouping it with other tropicals in a well-lit room helps maintain both humidity and a cohesive aesthetic.
This variety is sold by a number of online nurseries across New Zealand that specialise in tropical or indoor plants. Look for retailers that specify the variety name, pot size, and provide photos of the actual plant for sale.
If you're ordering during colder months, choose shops that offer winter packaging options or heat packs to prevent cold damage. Also consider checking delivery times and return policies before placing your order, especially if you're located in more remote areas of the South Island.
Propagation is best done through stem cuttings. Select a healthy, mature stem and cut just below a node using sterilised scissors. Allow the cutting to air dry for a few hours before placing it into moist, well-draining soil or water.
Keep the cutting in a warm spot with bright, indirect light. If propagated in soil, maintain gentle moisture but avoid overwatering. Root development can take several weeks. Once roots are established, the new plant can be potted as usual.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests often found underneath leaves, causing leaves to appear dry and creating thin web-like coverings. To treat, isolate the plant and gently clean affected leaves by wiping them with a sponge soaked in warm, slightly soapy water. Regular misting of the foliage can help prevent spider mite infestations.
Scale Insects
Scale insects appear as small brown bumps typically on the undersides of leaves. Remove these pests gently using a toothpick or fingernail. Spray the affected plant with insecticidal soap to control new infestations, and keep it in subdued light for two days following treatment.
Leaves Losing Variegation and Turning Green
This issue is often caused by insufficient light. Move the plant to a brighter location, preferably near a south- or west-facing window or in a bright room where walls reflect ample light.
Leaf Edges and Tips Turning Brown
Brown leaf edges and tips usually indicate low humidity or fluoride in water. Remove heavily affected leaves and mist the foliage daily, except during intense sunlight hours. Adding a small amount of garden lime or wood ash to the potting mix can raise soil pH, helping reduce fluoride damage.
Yellowing Leaves, Especially Older Edges
Older leaves turning yellow may be a sign of magnesium deficiency. Use a fertilizer containing magnesium or repot the plant into fresh soil if it hasn't been repotted in over a year. Adding a pinch of Epsom salts to the water two or three times annually can also help remedy the deficiency.
Cordyline can tolerate full sun but thrives best in bright, indirect light or partial shade. In very sunny locations, protect it from intense midday sun to prevent leaf scorching.
In New Zealand, Cordyline can survive winter outdoors, especially in milder climates. However, protect the plant from frost, particularly younger or potted specimens.
Drooping is typically caused by underwatering or root problems from poor drainage. Water regularly but moderately and ensure excess water drains freely from the pot.
With good care, Cordyline can easily live for 10 to 15 years or longer, especially when regularly repotted and maintained in ideal conditions.
Cordyline is considered mildly toxic to pets if ingested, potentially causing symptoms such as vomiting, drooling, and gastrointestinal upset. It's advisable to keep this plant away from curious pets and young children.
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