What’s so special about the Ti plant, Cordyline fruitcosa? It has an abundance of symbolism and colorful background. First of all, it is considered to be a good luck plant, because it releases positive energy and resists evil by bringing good luck, happiness, sanctity, blessings, good fortune and a welcome to guests.
There’s more. To many peoples of Eastern Asia, Australia, and Pacific Islands, the Ti plant is sacred. They use the leaves of Cordyline fruitcosa as protection against evil spirits in ornamental and spiritual dress; and, interestingly enough, as boundary markers for property.
My Ti plant is a beautiful red and green variation, so it is a combination of symbolic meaning. The red represents blood, war and connection between living and dead; and green represents peace and healing. Then again, some cultures believe blood is “life and vitality,” and warfare. If there is a land boundary battle, the Ti plants are dug up and pigs are sacrificed to the spirits. Poor pigs. After the battle Ti plants are replanted on new boundaries.
In the Philippines Ti plants were used in healing rituals. Some areas native people planted the Ti around the house for protection against evil spirits, and some people plant Ti in cemeteries, so the dead don’t become violent spirits. Other groups of people used red Ti plants in white magic rituals and for initiations. Green plants were used for black magic rituals and for healing. This is not just history, for some cultures the beliefs and practices linger.
So why wouldn’t I want a Cordyline fruticosa Hawaiian Boy? My evergreen Ti plant has red and green sword-like leaves, and as the plant matures pink or white flower clusters will top off the plant and then blooms mature into red berries. If I had placed the plant indoors, it wouldn’t bloom, however, my Ti is on the porch by the door, welcoming all who come. Ti can grow to 10 to 13 feet high, or more and 3 to 4 feet wide. Wow, when it reaches that size, I will have to find an appropriate space in the ground. I must reconsider my impulse buying.
Cordyline fruticosa is in the Asparagaceae family and is related to the Agave and Daceana. Some common names are Hawaiian Ti plant, good luck plant, palm lily and cabbage tree. That’s an interesting one. Cordyline fruticosa is suitable for zones 9 to 12. It likes part shade to full sun. According to Google, the Ti plant is extremely drought tolerant, however, it likes a consistent watering schedule of once or twice a week, which seems incongruous to me. However, I’m the learner here.
Some tips of my Ti leaves are brown, and there seems to be many reasons for those brown tips: Pests, too much fertilizer, too much water, not enough water, chemical burn, too much direct sunlight, not enough nutrients. We have well water which is considered “clean” water and supposedly causes fewer problems with the Ti plant, as opposed to city water which may have fluoride or other chemicals causing the brown tips. Too many reasons for brown tips, so I’ll have to experiment and observe to find a solution.
Finally, I have to share some other uses of the Ti leaves in tropical areas: roof thatching, food wrapping, clothing (skirts and sandals), cattle feed, dishes, medicine, liquor (Okolehao), ornaments to attract good spirits, and sleds for children (wow).
There is so much more to learn about this good luck plant.
Red Bluff Garden Club is a member of Cascade District, California Garden Clubs, Inc, Pacific Region Garden Clubs, Inc., and National Garden Clubs, Inc. We meet the last Tuesday of each month except June and July. Mark your calendars for our August meeting, and for our annual October luncheon at Rolling Hills Casino.
