We have a new houseplant but I’m not sure what it is. I’ve never been very good with houseplants so I need to know what it is to learn how to care for it. It’s leaves are green and burgundy/pinkish 12 – 15 inches long and up to 4 inches wide.
Hi CeeCee,
Ti Plant Cordyline terminalis
Your plant is a Ti Plant ( Cordyline terminalis), and is one of the most colorful foliage plants you can purchase. There are many similarities between Ti Plants, also called Hawaiian Good Luck Plants, and Dracaenas. The major difference is that Dracaenas are easy care plants while Ti Plants require quite a bit of extra care. Here are some care tips for you.
Water: Proper watering is the most difficult part. The soil needs to be moist but never soggy and should never totally dry out. Allow the water to sit out over night if it contains fluoride, chlorine, or passes through a water softener. These chemicals damage the leaves. Fluoride toxicity is especially harmful, causing brown leaf tips.
Fertilizer: Feed a Ti Plant monthly in the spring and summer with a liquid or slow release plant food at 1/2 the recommended strength. Never use a fertilizer that contains fluoride.
Temperature: Ti Plants prefer warm temperatures between 65-85 degrees. Be careful to keep your plant away from drafts and heating vents.
Humidity: High humidity is necessary to keep the leaves looking good.
Pests: Ti Plants attract numerous houseplant pests such as: Fungus Gnats, Mealy Bugs, spider mites, scale, and thripes. A bad infestation of spider mites is often the cause of faded looking Ti Plant leaves. Spray your frequently with a soapy water solution and keep the leaves dust free to help prevent both houseplant pests and houseplant diseases.
You can read more in the Popular HousePlant section of the website.
These plants are considered poisonous and should be kept away from pets and children. Read more about common houseplants that are poisonous in Don’t Feed Me To Your Cat! A Guide to Poisonous Houseplants
