How to Transplant a TI Plant

The Cordyline fruticosa, colloquially known as the Ti plant, is an evergreen plant native to various tropical zones. The plant is easily recognizable by its single wood stalk topped with large, wide leaves and bright berries. The Ti plant can reach a height of more than 10 feet and is an excellent conversation starter because of its unusual shape. Gardeners may need to transplant a Ti plant if it gets too big for its current location.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Handsaw or pruning shears

Instructions

1. Prepare the soil in the location to which you plan to transplant the Ti plant. Use a shovel and work the soil to a depth of three to four inches. Loosen any large chunks of dirt and remove any debris or rocks.

2. Dig up the Ti plant. To dig, insert the shovel straight down around the Ti plant at a distance of four to five inches from the plant's stalk. After creating a circle around the plant, scoop upward to remove the stalk and most of its roots.

3. Replant the Ti plant in the area you have prepared. Bury the plant up to the point at which it was previously buried. Break off the leaves of the Ti plant to reduce stress and water loss as the plant re-establishes itself. Water multiple times daily, keeping the soil moist until new leaf buds appear on the top of the stalk. After this time, reduce watering to twice daily.

4. Make a cutting of the Ti plant. This is the least labor-intensive method of transplanting the Ti plant and takes advantage of the plant's ability to grow from a severed shoot. Use the handsaw or pruning shears and snip a four- to five-inch-long piece off the top of the plant's stalk.

5. Sink the cutting vertically into the soil with the cut edge facing down. Bury it so that half of its stalk is below the surface. Some gardeners choose to dust the plant's cut end with rooting powder. The powder accelerates the root-growing process but is not necessary.

6. Pack dirt around the stalk to hold it upright. Water daily, keeping the soil moist. The plant will begin growing new roots and creating new leaf buds within seven days.

Tips & Warnings

• Green-leafed Ti plants do best in partial shade. Red-leafed Ti plants develop the most vibrant colors when grown in direct sunlight.

References

• "Plant Propagation A to Z: Growing Plants for Free"; Geoff Bryant; 2006
• "Native Hawaiian Garden: How to Grow and Care for Island Plants"; John L. Culliney and Bruce P. Koebele; 1999

Resources

• University of Hawaii: Tips on Ti Plant Growing and Landscaping