Known as Cabbage
palm or tree or good luck plant. Other names include Cordyline fruticose. This
evergreen flowering plant belongs to asparagus family. Genus from the Greek
word kordyle, denoting a club.
The showy
leaves on this tropical plant can vary in width and length depending on which
variety it is. Long-lived broadleaf plant features in thin concave shaped
leaves (to 15” long and 4” wide). Most leaf grow to about 1ft long. Leaves
coloured in pinkish red, but eventually become deep green. Typically this plant
grows about 3- 4 ft in partial sunlight. Higher height up to 15 feet is also
not uncommon in an outdoor situation. Direct sunlight burns the leaves. However,
survives in low light or shade with slower growth and smaller leaves.
Scented,
whitish lavender flowers seen in cluster in summer and followed by red or green
berries. Houseplants hardly flower and bears fruit. However, aging plants lose
its lower leaves.
Measured
watering is best for not having a rotten root. Over-watering or too much
fluoride or salt in the water causes the plant to have brown tips on the
leaves. Besides, yellowish leaves mean the plant needs watering. Grows well in
loose soil with smaller pebbles for fast draining. Plants may be grown from
stem sections (Ti logs) on a bed of moist gravel/pebbles until roots appear.
Celebrated
in Hawaii to make hula skirts with leaves and edible rhizomes as food/diet.
Native to tropical Southeast Asia, eastern Australia and some Pacific islands
including Hawaii.
Not an ideal
for a temperature below 60ºF or 15ºC. Natural fertilizer or used up tea can
help provide vital nutrients to the plants. Susceptible to thrips and
mealybugs. Requires less pruning however, it encourages growth.
Very good as
indoor plants as it helps in eradicating volatile organic compound (VOC) like
ammonia, formaldehyde, toluene and xylene. However, this plant is extremely
poisonous to dogs and cats with a high toxicity level.
More
information can be found at the links below:
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