How to Care for Cordyline Terminalis
Cordyline terminalis (or fruiticosa) is known in Hawaii as ki, or the ti plant. It is a sacred plant, used for centuries as protection from harm and evil. The leaves are also used to cook Hawaiian dishes such as lau lau and kalua pig, and for hula skirts. Cordyline terminalis is an evergreen shrub with an upright growth habit. It grows to a height of 10 feet with a 3- to 4-foot spread. Grow Cordyline terminalis as an accent in a shady garden or plant several to use as hedging. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Fertilizer
- Pruning shears
- Horticultural oil spray or insecticidal soap spray
Instructions
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Keep the soil around the Cordyline terminalis moist at all times. Overhead watering is recommended to raise the humidity level.
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Fertilize the ti plant every three months with a 10-10-10 fertilizer, at the rate listed on the label for the size and age of your plant. Sprinkle the fertilizer on the soil, 6 inches from the base of the Cordyline terminalis and spread it completely around the plant. Water to a depth of 3 inches after applying fertilizer.
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Prune the Cordyline terminalis to 1 foot in height if you want to encourage lateral growth. Overgrown plants can be safely cut back to 6 inches above the soil.
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Treat insect infestations at the first sign. Insecticidal soap sprays and horticultural oils will manage the plant's most common pests.
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