Plant Care Guide

Hawaiian Ti
(Good Luck Plant)

Cordyline fruticosa (syn. C. terminalis)

The Hawaiian Ti is a tropical showstopper with neon pinks, reds, and burgundy foliage that instantly energizes patios and bright rooms. This guide gives you practical, no-fuss Hawaiian Ti plant care for both pots and landscape beds. Indoors, it’s all about steady light, moisture, and humidity; outdoors, think warm temps and filtered sun. If you’re after dependable Hawaiian Ti plant indoor care or want quick tips for Hawaii Ti plant care in warm zones, you’re in the right place.

Watering Requirements

Keep soil evenly moist, never soggy. Ti is fluoride-sensitive—water quality matters.

Watering schedule

  • Spring/Summer: When the top 1 inch of soil is dry (about every 5–7 days indoors; more often outside in heat).
  • Fall/Winter: Every 7–10 days; let the top inch dry.

Signs of overwatering

  • Yellowing then dropping leaves
  • Mushy stems; sour soil smell

Signs of underwatering

  • Crispy/brown edges, drooping fronds
  • Soil pulling from pot sides

Pro Tips

Use rainwater or distilled water to avoid fluoride tip burn. If using tap, fill a container and let it sit overnight before watering.

Light Requirements

Color pops with bright, indirect light; harsh sun can scorch.

Ideal placement

  • Indoors: East or bright west window; diffuse strong south light.
  • Outdoors: Partial shade / filtered sun; morning sun + afternoon shade is perfect.

Too much light

  • Brown, dry margins or bleached patches

Too little light

  • Leaves go greener, colors fade; leggy growth

Pro Tips

Rotate ¼ turn weekly for even color and upright growth.

Soil & Potting

Use a light, well-draining mix that still holds gentle moisture.

Best mix

  • 2 parts high-quality potting mix
  • 1 part perlite or pumice (air)
  • 1 part fine bark or coco chips (structure)

Container notes

  • Pot with multiple drainage holes
  • Repot every 2–3 years or when roots circle; upsize only 1–2 inches

Pro Tips


Mix in a handful of peat/coco coir to keep pH slightly acidic—Ti prefers it.

Fertilizing

Steady, modest feeding keeps foliage vivid.

Fertilizer schedule

  • Spring–Summer: Monthly, balanced liquid feed at ½ strength
  • Fall–Winter: Every 8–10 weeks or pause if growth slows

Deficiency clues

  • Pale new leaves → Nitrogen/iron low
  • Slow, thin growth → General nutrients low

Pro Tips

Flush the pot with plain water every 2–3 months to prevent salt buildup (which can brown tips).

Pruning & Maintenance

Encourage a full, colorful plant with light, regular grooming.

Pruning

  • Remove yellow or tired lower leaves at the base
  • Tip-prune lanky canes to promote branching
  • Stems can be cut back hard; healthy plants reshoot readily

Leaf care

  • Wipe dust monthly so leaves can photosynthesize and color stays bold

Pro Tips

Save pruned canes—Ti propagates easily from 4–6" cane sections (root in water or moist mix).

Common Problems & Solutions

  • Brown leaf tips/margins

    Cause: Fluoride/salts, dry air, drought

    Fix: Switch to distilled/rainwater, raise humidity, water more evenly; flush soil.
  • Faded color / greener leaves

    Cause: Insufficient light or feeding

    Fix: Brighter indirect light; resume monthly feeding.
  • Leaf drop after moving

    Cause: Environmental change or chills

    Fix: Stabilize light/temp; prune lightly; new growth follows.
  • Pests (mealybugs, mites, scale, thrips)

    Fix: Wipe leaves; treat with insecticidal soap or neem weekly until clear; improve airflow.

Toxicity Warning

Toxic to pets and people if ingested. Keep out of reach and wash hands after pruning (sap may irritate skin).

Pro Tips

Most Ti troubles trace back to water quality + light. Nail those, and your Hawaiian Ti plant care becomes blissfully low-maintenance—bright color, minimal drama.