Cordyline Foliage is a Riot of Color!
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.
A Long Tradition
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.
Outdoors or In
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, 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.
New Cultivars Are being Developed
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 a 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.
Special Ti Nursery: Our Happy Farm
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.
Color for Your Palette
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.
Growing Ti
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.
Contact Us
Special Ti Nursery, call (808) 966-7361 for more information, write to Fred Stone and Deborah Ward at P.O.Box 1430, Kurtistown HI 96760 USA