kent ti2

Ornamentals and Flowers

Mar. 2007

OF-33

Hawaiian Ti

Kent Kobayashi, John Griffis, Andrew Kawabata, and Glenn Sako

Department of Tropical Plant and Soil Sciences

i (kï in Hawaiian) is the common name for Cordyline

fruticosa, which is found throughout tropical Asia,

Australia, and the Pacific islands. There are approxi-

mately 20 species of Cordyline. Several other Cordyline

species are grown in Hawai‘i, but they are less common

and not usually referred to as ti. Ti commonly grows in

moist, semi-shaded areas in wet valleys and forests on

all the major Hawaiian islands except Kaho‘olawe. It is

the most popular Cordyline species as an indoor potted

plant and is used extensively by florists as cut green

foliage for flower arrangements and decorative displays.

It is also used as a food wrapping.

Ti plant

Cordyline fruticosa (L.) Chevalier

Laxmanniaceae family

Synonyms: Cordyline terminalis,

Convallaria fruticosa, Dracaena

terminalis, Terminalis fruticosa,

Taetsia fruticosa

Native of Eastern Asia

Common names: ti plant; ti; green ti;

Hawaiian good-luck plant; ti tree;

good-luck plant; tree of kings;

common dracaena; dracaena;

dracaena palm; lily palm; miracle

plant; kï, lau kï, lä‘ï (Hawaiian)

Characteristics

Description

Ti is an upright evergreen shrub with slender single or

branched stems, growing up to 10 feet high. Its spread

is 3–4 feet. The growth rate is moderate to moderately

fast. The taproot is long, thick, white, and sweet and

becomes large in older plants.

Leaves

Leaf clusters are arranged in close spirals at the branch

tips. The large, narrow-oblong leaves (1–2 feet long and

Red ti decorates an urban entryway.

Published by the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) and issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation

with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Andrew G. Hashimoto, Director/Dean, Cooperative Extension Service/CTAHR, University of Hawai‘i at Mänoa, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96822.

An equal opportunity/affirmative action institution providing programs and services to the people of Hawai‘i without regard to race, sex, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability,

marital status, arrest and court record, sexual orientation, or status as a covered veteran. CTAHR publications can be found on the Web site <http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/freepubs>.

UH–CTAHR Hawaiian Ti OF-33 — Mar. 2007

about 4 inches wide) are smooth, flexible, and glossy,

with deeply channeled petioles 2–6 inches long. Some

varieties have very small leaves, only 8 inches long and

2 inches wide. Leaf blades are lanceolate to broadly el-

liptic with a prominent midrib on the underside. Foliage

may be green or variegated with various combinations

of red, pink, purple, maroon, rose, yellow, and orange.

Seedlings and propagated cuttings show their true color

when they begin to produce mature leaves. Older basal

leaves turn yellow and drop from the stems, leaving rings

of leaf scars.

Flowers

Many sessile (stalkless) or shortly stalked flowers

⁄3–

⁄2

inch long are borne on a panicle (drooping branched

stem) about 1 foot long that grows from the tip of the

plant in the spring. The flowers come in several

colorsæwhite, pink, lavender, or yellow. As the six pet-

als open, they expose six yellow stamens and one white

pistil. Florets are star-shaped.

Fruits

The fruits, which are not uncommon, are round berries

less than

⁄2 inch in diameter containing many seeds. The

fruit cover is fleshy and may be green, yellow, red, or

scarlet. Some cultivars have red flowers and large scar-

let berries.

Outdoor production

Soil

Ti plants grow best in deep, fertile, moist, acidic, well-

drained soils that are high in organic matter. Soil pH

should be 5.5 to 6.5.

Light

Ti can be grown outdoors in full sun or under shadecloth.

It is best grown in light to moderate shade (3000–4500

foot-candles). As a point of reference, the amount of

light at noon on a clear summer day is approximately

10,000 foot-candles. Leaf coloration is more striking in

sunnier locations, although the foliage of brightly col-

ored cultivars and those with white-striped leaves is eas-

ily burned when grown in full sunlight. When grown in

heavy shade, red cultivars such as ‘Peter Buck’ tend to

produce leaves with more green color.

Rainfall

Ti grows well in open forests of valleys where there is

plenty of rain. Irrigation is required in dry areas. Unless

heavily irrigated, growth is reduced, and many leaves

turn yellow and fall off. Insufficient amounts of water

also cause stunting.

Temperature

Ti does well between 65 and 95˚F and is hardy to about

30˚F. Leaf color is more intense during the cooler

weather in the winter and spring.

Elevation

Ti is common at elevations from sea level to 2000 feet.

On the Kona side of the Big Island, ti can grow well

above 2000 feet.

Tolerances

Possessing moderate drought tolerance, ti can tolerate

only brief periods of drought. It has poor to fair salt tol-

erance; it does not tolerate salt spray on its foliage. Be-

ing only fairly wind-tolerant, it requires windbreaks in

windy areas to prevent shedding of the leaves. Ti is tol-

erant of considerable shade and extreme temperatures

(with medium heat tolerance), but growth is reduced.

Watering

Ti grows well in areas with high rainfall. In dry loca-

tions, irrigation is required. Otherwise, growth is re-

duced, and many leaves turn yellow and fall off. Supple-

ment natural rainfall with enough irrigation to supply at

least 1 inch of water per week.

Fertilizer

Ti needs occasional applications of a general garden fer-

tilizer at 3–4-month intervals. The fertilizer ratio of the

major elements should be 3:1:2 for N, P, and K, respec-

tively. Apply 35 pounds N-P

-K

O per 1000 square

feet per year. Increase the application in heavy rainfall

areas or if frequent irrigation is applied. An N-P-K ratio

of 1:1:1 is recommended for soil-based media, whereas

a ratio of 3:1:2 is suggested for soilless media.

Another common nutritional program is liquid feed

with 24-8-16 or 20-10-20 N-P-K formulation, follow-

ing the product directions. Liquid fertilizer should be

rinsed off the foliage with water to help remove fertil-

UH–CTAHR Hawaiian Ti OF-33 — Mar. 2007

izer salts from the terminal whorl and avoid damage to

or death of the emerging leaf.

Pruning

As leaves are harvested and plants become tall, cut the

stem 1 foot above the soil to encourage branching or 6

inches above the soil to rejuvenate the plant. Leave three

new shoots to grow, and remove all smaller shoots.

Landscape uses

The ease with which ti is propagated, its rapid growth,

and its colorful leaf variation make it a popular garden

and landscape plant. It is used in outdoor landscapes as

an accent, hedge, screen, mass planting, and foundation

or background planting. Plant it on 2–3-foot centers for

massing in the landscape. Small leafed varieties can be

planted closer. Ti can also be planted singly as a speci-

men plant in a small garden.

In a container or aboveground planter, ti is suitable

for growing outdoors or indoors, as it requires only or-

dinary care and tolerates low light intensities. It makes

an excellent container plant for a deck or lanai.

Indoor culture

Light

Ti is adaptable to interior conditions, tolerating light lev-

els as low as 75–150 foot-candles. However, at those

levels new growth becomes stretched and poor in color,

and foliage variegation is reduced. Foliage color and

quality retention improve as light increases to around

800 foot-candles.

As a point of reference, the amount of light at noon on

a clear summer day is approximately 10,000 foot-candles.

On an overcast winter day, it may be as low as 500 foot-

candles. Indoors, on a clear summer afternoon the direct

sun entering a window may be 4000–8000 foot-candles,

but the level will be only about 600 foot-candles in the

shade to the sides of the window. The natural light in-

doors on the shady side of a house may be 150–250 foot-

candles, depending on the amount of window area and

the presence of window blinds or curtains.

Ti develops its best leaf color in bright light and is

less suitable for locations where it receives only artifi-

cial light. Plants require 4 hours of direct sunlight or

bright, indirect light. Locate plants in well-lighted areas

within 4–8 feet of large south-facing, east-facing, or

west-facing windows. Low light, low humidity, and hot,

dry air can cause leaf loss.

Temperature

Maintain temperatures between 65 and 85˚F. Ti prefers

humidity levels between 40 and 60%. Avoid cold, drafty

areas.

Potting media

Plant newly rooted stem cuttings in a well-drained pot-

ting media containing high-quality peat at no more than

50–60%. Choose a medium with excellent aeration, good

water-holding capacity, and good drainage characteris-

tics. Amendments should include a low to moderate level

of micronutrients, such as 1 pound of MicromaxÒ per

cubic yard of medium and sufficient dolomite to adjust

the medium’s pH to 5.5–6.5. Use a 4-inch pot for a small

plant or a 6-inch pot for a larger plant. Plants may be

repotted into larger containers as they grow.

Watering

Ti plants respond well to plenty of water. Keep the well-

drained growth medium moist but not wet, avoiding

extremes in wetness and dryness. Excessive drying be-

tween waterings causes tipburn and necrosis of the leaf

margins.

Fertilizer

Slow-release fertilizers work best; they can be top-

dressed or incorporated into the potting medium. Apply

a 20-10-20 fertilizer at a rate of 1 teaspoon in a 6-inch

pot every 2 months. A liquid fertilizer may be used,

applying a 20-10-20 fertilizer to provide 200 ppm N with

every watering (or as recommended on the fertilizer con-

tainer).

Pruning

As the plant grows and produces new leaves at the tip,

cut or pull off the lower leaves if they turn yellow or

brown or become diseased with leaf spots. Prune to con-

trol plant size. Plants may be rejuvenated by cutting the

stems back to 6 inches above the level of the soil or

medium in the pot, so that new shoots will arise at a

lower location on the stem.

UH–CTAHR Hawaiian Ti OF-33 — Mar. 2007

Propagation

The relative ease with which ti is propagated help make

it a popular garden plant. Ti is propagated from stem sec-

tions, terminal stem cuttings, seeds, and by air-layering.

Cuttings

Cut stem sections in pieces 1 inch or more long. Cut-

tings from young stems are easier to root than those from

old, woody stems. Cuttings root quickly, and a rooting

hormone is not necessary. Plant cuttings vertically or

horizontally into a rooting medium (perlite, vermicu-

lite, or peat moss-sand mixture) so that three-fourths of

the length of the vertical section is buried or

⁄4 inch of

the diameter of the horizontal section is covered. Cut-

tings inserted in a vertical position will grow into single

plants. Cuttings inserted in a horizontal position may

grow into several plants, depending on their length. Keep

cuttings moist and in a partially shaded location. Mist

can be applied manually, typically two or three times

per day. Rooting time is 2–4 weeks. A terminal cluster

of leaves with 6 inches of stem will root quickly and

make a well-shaped plant in 4–6 months.

Cuttings may also be rooted in plain water and should

be at least 6 inches long. The end of the cutting should

be immersed in about 1 inch of water. Water in the con-

tainer should be changed occasionally to prevent the

growth of plant pathogens or rot organisms. A water-

soluble fertilizer such as 20-10-20 may be added to the

water to provide some nutrients (follow the directions

on the fertilizer package). After a strong root system has

developed, the cutting may be transplanted. The cuttings

should be planted before the rootlets get very long; oth-

erwise, they may break off in the planting process.

Air-layering

It takes a couple of months for an air-layered branch to

root. After removal of two or three basal leaves, air-lay-

ers are transplanted into a pot or container with care to

avoid injuring the roots.

Seeds

Before being gathered the berries should be allowed to

mature to be sure that the seeds are ripe. Up to 16 seeds

are enclosed in the berries. Seeds that are sown when

fresh germinate rapidly (2–6 weeks). Propagating from

seed usually results in seedlings having wide variation

in plant size and leaf color and shape.

Use a fine medium such as sand, a commercial pot-

ting mixture, or peat moss. Sow seeds

⁄4 inch deep in

the medium and cover them. Keep the seeded medium

moist and in a warm location. The berries may be planted

whole or, to hasten germination, mashed to release the

seeds before planting. When the seedlings are several

inches high and have a strong root system, be transfer

them to individual pots or containers.

Commercial production

Most commercial production is of the common green ti,

although there is some production of other types of cut

tis. According to the Hawai‘i Department of Agricul-

ture, in 2004, 41 farms produced 7.2 million cut ti leaves

with a farm-gate value of $669,000. Out-of-state sales

of cut ti leaves (including wholesale and retail sales)

generated $750,000. Although commercial growing of

ti is primarily for cut foliage, cane (stem pieces) and

potted plants are also marketed.

Planting

Ti plants generally are propagated from cuttings. For

cut foliage production, the plants must be vigorous

enough to produce four leaves per terminal per month.

Other desirable characteristics include good leaf color,

resistance to disease, and leaves that can withstand shred-

ding from strong winds, resist discoloration from sun-

light, and have a long postharvest shelf life.

In commercial plantings, ti plants are spaced at 1

⁄2–2

feet in rows and between rows. There may be two or

more rows per bed with 3-foot spacing between the beds.

A greater distance between plants is not considered de-

sirable for green ti because the leaves may become too

large. Remove inflorescences as they emerge to direct

energy toward new leaves.

Fertilizer

Appropriate fertilizers include urea and formulations

such as 16-16-16, 10-10-10, 8-12.5-6, or 10-30-10, de-

pending on the soil’s P status. Apply two ounces per

plant of one of these balanced fertilizers every second

month to improve the growth of new leaves. Soil can be

tested for levels of nutrients. Nutrient deficient ti leaves

are more susceptible to Cercospora leaf spot and other

diseases. Magnesium (Mg) deficiency results in broad

UH–CTAHR Hawaiian Ti OF-33 — Mar. 2007

Red ti in a nursery.

yellowing in older leaves and potassium (K) deficiency

in dull color in older leaves, sometimes with necrotic

spots. If Mg is low, add magnesium sulfate.

Irrigation

Supplementary irrigation is used wherever necessary to

maintain leaf production during dry periods. Drier cli-

mates with the use of irrigation help avoid fungus and

bacterial leaf spots.

Pest management

Diseased leaves should be removed from plants weekly

and plants kept well fertilized and watered. The use of

fungicides may be necessary in extremely wet environ-

ments. Weed control is very important for the establish-

ment of new fields.

Harvest

Leaves are harvested as soon as the plant produces leaves

that are 12 inches long, usually 10 months from the time

terminal cuttings are planted. When the plants grow too

tall, the stems are cut back to 1–3 feet above the soil

level. Harvesting of leaves can begin again from these

topped plants in 8–9 months.

The best time to harvest is early

morning. Harvesting is done by cut-

ting or pulling the lower leaves off

the cane. Only the top three or four

leaves are left to support plant

growth. Harvesting may also be done

by breaking off the terminal com-

pletely. The period between harvests

of leaves from each terminal may be

as long as a month.

Pot production

Although ti plants represent only a

small portion of the potted foliage

plant product mix, they are among the

most colorful foliage plants. Small-

leaved selections of ti plants are fin-

ished as small and medium pots and

for use in combination planters.

Larger multi-branched plants in 6–

17-inch pots are produced for large-

scale interior planting projects.

Larger plants are stepped up to larger pot sizes. Many of

the highly colored cultivars are propagated by terminal

stem cuttings (tips) which are directly stuck in pots, then

eventually sold. If the propagative cane diameter is too

small, there could be a problem with cane rot. Colored

tis have a higher light requirement (medium to higher

light intensity).

Postharvest handling

When properly applied, a combination of insecticidal

soap and a pyrethroid in a postharvest dip is more effec-

tive than either one used alone. A promising postharvest

treatment of ti leaves for insect control is a hot water

dip at 120°F for 10 minutes. The leaves are graded ac-

cording to small, medium, and large (12, 18, and 24

inches long, respectively). They are tied into bundles

and packed for shipment in corrugated boxes.

Pests and diseases

Problems affecting ti are listed on pages 8–11. Pesti-

cides may be applied to ti plants for landscape use and

in containerized production nurseries, but they should

not be applied to ti plants or ti leaves intended for culi-

nary or adornment uses.

UH–CTAHR Hawaiian Ti OF-33 — Mar. 2007

Special notes

Leaves of both green ti and cultivars of other colors used

in arrangements by florists and exported as cut foliage.

They are frequently packed with mixed tropical flowers.

Early Polynesians believed the ti plant had divine

power. To dispel evil, fresh leaves were worn around the

neck, waist, and ankles and hung around dwellings.

Masses of plants were planted around homes to ward off

evil and bring good fortune. The kähili (feathered stan-

dard), a sign of royalty, was fashioned in the form of a

tall ti plant. The ti stalk was used as a sign of surrender.

Hawaiians steamed ti root in imu (ovens in the ground)

to be eaten as a sweet. The root was also fermented to

make a beer, fermented and distilled to make a brandy

called ‘ökolehao, or boiled and used as a laxative.

Many ancient Hawaiian uses of ti continue today.

Fresh leaves are used as a wrapper for foods such as

taro, pork, and fish before they are steamed or roasted

in an imu. Ti leaf skirts are worn for the hula. Leaves

have been used as thatch for houses, rain capes, san-

dals, plates, food for horses and cattle, fishnets for

hukilau, whistles, and as sleds to slide down slopes. Dry

leaves were fastened to fishing nets to drive fish into

shallow water in hukilau fishing.

Many kinds of decorations are made from ti. Stems

are cut into 6–8-inch sections and rooted in water to pro-

duce new leaves for table decorations. Cut leaves are

used to garnish food or to cover floats in a parade, a

stage, or a table at a luau. Large numbers of leaves, green

as a basic foliage and other colored types, are used by

florists to complement all kinds of tropical flowers. At-

tractive designs are fashioned by florists by cutting, trim-

ming, rolling, and folding ti leaves.

Common cultivars (horticultural varieties)

Plants grown from seed have provided hundreds of cul-

tivars, displaying a wide range of plant size, leaf size,

shape, and color including purple, crimson, scarlet, rust,

pink and green; or striped with pink, red, and white.

These cultivars are then propagated vegetatively. Vari-

ous growing conditions often alter leaf color. There is

no one authority that names ti plants, and varietal names

vary from place to place, even island to island. Some of

the many ti cultivars are listed on pages 12–14.

In addition to those listed in the table, other cultivars

include Amazing Grace, Apple Juno, Auntie Lou, Baby

Spoon, Ballerina, Bangkok Gold, Bolero, Burgundy,

Calypso Orange, Cameroon, Carmen Mehealani, Cas-

cade, China Boy, Chong Giant, Compacta, Curly Green,

Diamond Sunrise, Dr. Brown, Emerald Green, Exotica,

Haole Boy, Hawaiian Bonsai, Hawaiian Boy, Hawaiian

Compacta, Hawaiian Green, Honokulani, Iaukea, Indian

Blanket, Kahaluu Beauty, Kahaluu Rainbow, Kalakaua

II, Kamehameha, Kauai Beauty, Kawauchi, Kiaki,

Kilauea Red, Kilauea Iki, King Arthur, Koolau, Lilinoe

(Lilinoi), Magic, Maize, Mauna Kea, Melvin C, Merry

Christmas (Mele Kalikimaka), Mini Orange, Miniature

Green, Miss Andrea, Miss Hawaii, Moonlight Rose,

Narrow Onomea, Negri/Black, New Guinea Black, Noe

Noe, Nuuanu Juno, Oahu Rainbow, Orange Glow, Or-

ange Julius, Orange Splash, Orange Tulip, Painter’s

Pallette, Picotee, Pineapple, Pink Lady, Pink Sensation,

Powder Puff, Purple Haze, Red Cameroon (Tempest),

Red Sister, Red Spoon, Ricky, Rooster Tail, Ruby,

Satsuki, Satsuki Pink, Sharkskin, Sherbert, Sousa, Sun-

set, Tachibana, Tango, Tiger Stripe, Valery Sophia, Vol-

cano, Wahine, Wailua Purple, and Will I’s Gold).

Acknowledgements

Special thanks to Arnold Hara for assistance with the

pests section and to Scot Nelson, Edwin Mersino, and

Melvin Wong for reviewing the manuscript.

References and further reading

Blessington, T.M., and P.C. Collins. 1993. Foliage plants:

Prolonging quality: Postproduction care & handling.

Ball Publishing, Batavia, Illinois.

Brennan, B.M., S.F. Swift, and C.M. Nagamine. 2002.

Turf and ornamental pest control: A guide for com-

mercial pesticide applicators. Cooperative Extension

Service, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human

Resources, University of Hawai‘i at Mänoa. Pesti-

cide Risk Reduction Education PRRE-3.

Brown, B.F. 1994. The Cordyline: King of tropical fo-

liage. Valkaria Tropical Gardens, Valkaria, Florida.

Chase, A.R. 1997. Foliage plant diseases: Diagnosis and

control. APS Press, St. Paul, Minnesota.

Ebesu, R. 2003. Integrated pest management for home

gardens: Insect identification and control. Coopera-

tive Extension Service, College of Tropical Agricul-

ture and Human Resources, University of Hawai‘i at

Mänoa. Insect Pests IP-13.

UH–CTAHR Hawaiian Ti OF-33 — Mar. 2007

Gilman, E.F. 1999. Cordyline terminalis. Cooperative

Extension Service, University of Florida. Fact Sheet

FPS-141.

Griffith, Jr., L.P. 2002. Tropical foliage disorders: A Ball

guide. Ball Publishing, Batavia, Illinois.

Griffith, Jr., L.P. 1998. Tropical foliage plants: A

grower’s guide. Ball Publishing, Batavia, Illinois.

Growing plants for Hawaiian lei: 85 plants for gardens,

conservation, and business. 2002. College of Tropi-

cal Agriculture and Human Resources, University of

Hawai‘i at Mänoa. p. 46-47.

Hara, A.R., R.Y. Niino-DuPonte, and C.M. Jacobsen.

2001. Root mealybugs of quarantine significance in

Hawaii. Cooperative Extension Service, College of

Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, Univer-

sity of Hawai‘i at Mänoa. Insect Pests IP-6.

Hara, A.H. and R.F.L. Mau. 1987. 1987 Guide to chemi-

cal control of insect and mite pests of ti plant. Coop-

erative Extension Service, College of Tropical Agri-

culture and Human Resources, University of Hawai‘i

at Mänoa. HITAHR Brief 066.

Henley, R.W., L.S. Osborne, and A.R. Chase. 1991.

Cordyline—Ti plant. CFREC-A Foliage Plant Re-

search Note RH-91-34, Central Florida Research and

Education Center–Apopka, Florida.

Kawabata, A.F., A. Hara, B. Bushe, and C. Jacobsen.

2005. Mite control chart for ornamental crops. Coop-

erative Extension Service, College of Tropical Agri-

culture and Human Resources, University of

Hawai‘i

at Mänoa

. Miscellaneous Pest Publication MP-4.

Kawabata, A., A. Hara, and C. Jacobsen. 2004. Insect

control chart for ornamental crops. Cooperative Ex-

tension Service, College of Tropical Agriculture and

Human Resources, University of Hawai‘i at Mänoa.

Insect Pest Publication IP-19.

Mersino, E.F. 2002. Mites on ornamentals. Cooperative

Extension Service, College of Tropical Agriculture

and Human Resources, University of Hawai‘i at

Mänoa. Miscellaneous Pests MP-2.

Moorman, G. 2005. Cordyline (ti plant) diseases. Co-

operative Extension Service, Pennsylvania State Uni-

versity.

Rauch, F.D. and P.R. Weissich. 2000. Plants for tropical

landscapes: A gardener’s guide. University of Hawai‘i

Press, Honolulu, HI.

Rauch, F.D. 1996. Tropical landscape plants. 3rd edi-

tion. Hawaii Floriculture. Battle Ground, WA.

Schmitt, D.P. and B.S. Sipes. 1998. Plant-parasitic nema-

todes and their management. Cooperative Extension

Service, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human

Resources, University of Hawai‘i at Mänoa. Plant

Disease PD-15.

Teho, F. 1992. Plants of Hawaii: How to grow them.

Petroglyph Press, Ltd., Hilo, Hawaii.

Watson, D.P. and W. W.J. Yee. 1973. Hawaiian ti. Co-

operative Extension Service, College of Tropical Ag-

riculture and Human Resources, University of

Hawai‘i at Mänoa. Circular 481.

UH–CTAHR Hawaiian Ti OF-33 — Mar. 2007

Problem Description Symptoms Control

Aphids Small, rounded, or pear- Aphids suck the sap causing Insecticidal soap is the safest and

shaped, soft bodied insects speckles on the foliage, reduced most effective control strategy.

clustered on stems, leaves, color, stunting, wilting, and

buds, and flowers; usually deformed leaves. In severe

found on new growth. Most cases, leaf loss occurs.

aphids have a pair of tube-like

cornicles on the posterior of

the abdomen.

Broad mites These small pests feed on Feeding causes curling,

Minimize the possibility of

(

Polyphagotarso-

young, new growth. Most puckering, deformity, distortion,

introducing mites into the growing

nemus latus

) mites are very small and and bronzing. Wilting may occur.

area on infested plant material.

difficult to see even with a

Eliminate weeds that are alternate

hand lens.

hosts. Ultra fine oil, insecticidal

soap, or neem may also be used.

Wash foliage with a strong spray

of cold water. Wash the plants

with soapy water and a soft brush

or cloth to remove insects.

Carmine spider Feed primarily on the

Spider mites suck plant juices

Eliminate weeds that are

mites, underside of the foliage, on

from leaves causing graying and

alternate hosts. Make sure

Tetranychus

stems, and leaf petioles.

discoloration of leaves, especially

incoming plants are free of mites

cinnabarinus

; Heavy infestations of carmine

on the undersides. Injured foliage

before placing them near other

false spider spider mites have large

begins to turn yellow or become

crops. Directing a forceful spray

mites amounts of silk webbing and

speckled. In severe cases,

of water at the plants to remove

appear bleached due to

webbing, loss of foliage, and

dust will help keep mite

feeding punctures. False

plant death can occur. When

populations down.

spider mites do not spin webs;

false spider mites feed, the

they are reddish in color with

leaves become silvery, followed

black patterns.

by a tanning, then a blackening.

Fungus gnats Small, black flies (1/8 inch

Damage is caused by larvae

Avoid algal growth where

long) found buzzing around

feeding on roots, root hairs,

possible. Reduce the amount of

the soil surface or on leaves.

leaves in contact with the soil, and

water applied to each pot

Primarily, a problem in wet

lower stem tissues. The larvae

whenever possible.

conditions and when large

spin webs on the soil surface,

amounts of algae are present.

which resemble spider webs.

Chinese rose Dark brown beetles feed on Holes in leaves. Heavy Spray plants or soil drench with

beetles,

Adoretus

foliage at night. Attracted to infestations cause lace-like an insecticide registered for ti

sinicus

weakened plants appearance of leaves. plants.

Grasshoppers and These insects occasionally Spray plants with an insecticide

katydids consume large quantities of registered for ti plants.

foliage. Their feeding leaves an

irregular appearance.

Green garden Caterpillars feed on leaves. Loopers chew leaves. Biological insecticide,

Bacillus

loopers, Newly hatched caterpillars

thuringiensis

, is effective. Hand

Chrysodexis

often feed only on the lower removal if only a small number of

eriosoma

surfaces of leaves. plants.

UH–CTAHR Hawaiian Ti OF-33 — Mar. 2007

Problem Description Symptoms Control

Mealybugs, White cottony masses found Mealybugs suck plant juices. Systemic insecticides are

Dysicoccus

in the leaf axils, underside of Infested plants become stunted, preferred. Mealybugs can be

neobrevipes

; leaves, on roots, and other and plant parts may die. removed with an alcohol-

longtailed mealybug, protected areas. Honeydew and sooty mold are saturated cotton swab. Wash the

Pseudococcus

often present. plants with soapy water and a

longispinus

soft brush or cloth to remove

insects. Remove mealybugs with

tweezers or a toothpick.

Nematodes Microscopic, parasitic Poor growth, stunted, chlorotic

The goal is to manage their

roundworms that live in and (yellow) foliage; premature

population, reducing their numbers

feed on roots. Damage roots wilting, low vigor, thin canopy,

below damaging levels. Incorporate

and prevent normal uptake of and leaf loss under relatively

good compost or organic materials,

water and nutrients. mild stress; swollen, knotted,

such as manure or wood shavings,

gnarled areas on the roots.

into the soil as a preplant

amendment to encourage microbial

activity to depress nematode

populations. Grow French variety

marigolds, tilling it in as green

mulch. Solarization, the heating of

soil by using clear plastic tarps to

increase and trap the sun’s heat,

can be an effective means of

controlling nematodes in the soil.

Scales, primarily Scales are sedentary Scales suck plant juices. They Volck Supreme horticultural oil. A

armored scale; ti insects that are covered appear as raised or brown systemic insecticide may have to

scale,

Pinnaspis

by a hard protective bumps (scale) which give stems be used against the armored

buxi

covering (shell) or waxy or leaves a lumpy appearance. scales. Wash the plants with

secretion. Appear on Feeding causes a characteristic soapy water and a soft brush or

leaves, petioles, or yellow or chlorotic streak that cloth to remove insects.

stems. radiates from point of Thoroughly wash undersides of

attachment. leaves where pests may also

reside. Removal with alcohol-

saturated cotton swab.

Thrips, Thrips are tiny, slender insects Their feeding often causes a Remove infested foliage and

Parthenolthrips

with mouthparts modified into stippling of leaf tissue flowers from the field or

dracaena

; banana a short beak used to suck the accompanied by silver to gray shadehouse to eliminate sources

rust thrips, plant sap. They feed on leaf leaf scars, bronzing, or silvering of thrips. Discard old stock plants

Chaetanaphothrips

undersides and the whorls of (characterized by long white that may harbor thrips and obtain

signipennis

immature leaves. Generally, streaks). Infested leaves become thrips-free propagative material

thrip populations increase curled or distorted with calloused for restocking. Cut down

during the summer and areas where feeding occurred. unwanted clumps of banana

decrease during the winter. When severe, russeting, graying plants near commercial farms.

of leaves, stunting of leaves

occur. Immature leaves may fail

to unfurl and thus appear as

deformed leaf whorls.

UH–CTAHR Hawaiian Ti OF-33 — Mar. 2007

Problem Description Symptoms Control

Whiteflies Sap-feeding insects that feed

on underside of leaves.

Whiteflies are tiny; the adults

resemble white moths. The

immature stages look like

scale insects.

Snails and slugs Feed mostly at night. Slugs

hide during the day under

boards, rocks, potted plants,

and in the soil.

Cercospora

Fungus attacks during

leaf spot prolonged wet periods without

drying winds.

Fusarium

stem and Fungus attacks the growing

root rot tips. Common in areas of high

rainfall.

Pseudomonas

Can be severe during

bacterial stripe prolonged wet periods

without wind.

Infested leaves often have small

yellow spots where adults or

immature whiteflies have fed.

When populations become

dense, the leaves become

yellowed and lower leaves are

covered with black sooty mold.

Can feed on bark and girdle

stems; chew leaves.

Initially, rust-colored specks

form. Many specks merge to

form rectangular areas between

leaf veins. Rectangular yellow to

brown spots between veins on

both surfaces of leaves. Affected

leaves yellow and fall.

Causes die-back to the cane.

Bark becomes loose, and lesions

observed near the base of the

stem. Internal bark tissue is

generally dry. Roots are mushy

and brown and easily disintegrate

when handled. Soft, mushy rot at

base of cuttings or rooted plants.

Rotten area frequently has

purplish or reddish margin.

Water-soaked, slender, long

stripes between veins,

becoming darker as disease

progresses until tissue falls out.

Many insecticides are registered

for and effective at controlling

whiteflies. Undersides of leaves

must be covered thoroughly to

achieve satisfactory control.

Successive sprays of insecticidal

soaps, oils, or synthetic

pyrethrum.

Snails and slugs can be controlled

with baits containing metaldehyde

or similar baits. Use only those

snails and slug killers approved

for gardens. Try trapping them or

using various organic baits. An

effective way to prevent snails

from entering the garden is by use

of sharp sand or erecting a copper

strip around the perimeter of the

garden. Search for these pests,

handpick, and destroy them.

Destroy their hiding places.

Best grown in drier climates with

irrigation. To avoid wet foliage,

water early in the day and

increase plant spacing. Avoid

overhead watering. Discard

infected plants. Keep plants well-

fertilized. Remove diseased

leaves regularly. Spray plants with

a fungicide registered for ti plants.

Best to grow in drier climates with

irrigation. Remove and destroy

symptomatic plants as soon as

they are found. Avoid overhead

watering. Avoid wounding plants.

Minimize water applications, and

grow pathogen-free plants in

pathogen-free potting media.

Discard infected plants.

Best to grow in drier climates with

irrigation.

UH–CTAHR Hawaiian Ti OF-33 — Mar. 2007

Problem Description Symptoms Control

Chlorosis

A lack of normal green pigmen-

Yellow or pale leaves. Increase water supply, light

tation in foliage, generally due

applications of 10-30-10 fertilizer

to deficiency of one or more

monthly, and remove old leaves.

micronutrients (usually iron),

root rot, or root-knot nema-

todes. Some leaf yellowing on

older leaves is normal.

Fluoride toxicity Ti plants are highly sensitive Tipburn and marginal necrosis Use potting media, irrigation

to fluoride exposure by air, followed by mottling within the water, and fertilizers low in

water, media, or fertilizer. center of the leaf and death of fluoride content. Propagation and

Cause is excess fluoride. entire leaf in severe cases. potting media should have a pH

of 6.0 to 6.5. Irrigation water

should contain less than 0.25

ppm of fluoride. Avoid high

calcium water.

Note

The pesticides mentioned are provided as suggestions for selecting suitable controls and should not be considered to be

recommendations. The pesticide label is the law. Read it before purchasing a pesticide to ensure that it is registered for your

intended use. Carefully read the label entirely before use and follow its instructions.

Reference to a company or product name does not imply approval or recommendation of the products to the exclusion of others

that may also be suitable. Because pesticide registrations may change, consult a chemical sales representative, pesticide company

representative, the Hawaii Department of Agriculture, or the CTAHR Cooperative Extension Service for information on insecticides

currently approved. On the Web, consult the CTAHR-CES Hawaii Pesticide Information Retrieval System (HPIRS) at http://

pesticides.hawaii.edu.

Pesticides may be applied to ti plants for landscape use and in containerized production nurseries. Do not use pesticides on ti

plants or ti leaves intended for culinary or adornment uses.

UH–CTAHR Hawaiian Ti OF-33 — Mar. 2007

Cultivar Leaves Leaf color Comments

Baby Doll 6 x 1

⁄4 inches; margins

flat, leaf width uniform

to pointed tip. Small-

leaved.

Bob Alonzo 12 inches long.

Floozie 18 inches long.

Graveyard Red Intermediate.

Haole Girl Shorter, broader than

Lau Kea

Hawaiian

Beauty

Hawaiian Flag 10

⁄2 x 3 inches;

margins undulating

and conspicuously

incurving. Narrow

foliage.

Hawaiian Stiff Large, narrow.

Hilo Boy Medium to broad.

Hilo Rainbow 16–20 x 4 inches,

(Imperialis) spaced far apart.

Mature leaves strongly

recurved or folded

backward.

Iwao Shimizu 6 inches long.

John Cummis 11 x 3

⁄2 inches; thick

with undulating

edges.

Johnny Noble 26 x 5

⁄2 inches;

rippled, tending to be

firm and curved.

Cupped margins.

Juno 9

⁄2 x 5 inches; edges

undulating with tip

curved down.

Green with red to black

highlights. Maroon trimmed

with a pink edge.

Orange yellow.

Neon red.

Burgundy to black.

Pale yellow.

Green, heavily streaked

with white, pink, and red.

Centers yellow with green

or maroon stripes; margins

green or yellow striped.

Heaviest streaks toward

apical end.

Striped with purple.

Apple green with streaks of

cream and lime; pink

margins.

Few brown streaks between

mid-rib and narrow, red

margins.

Small, green edged

with orange.

Burnt orange first appears

on leaf margins and later

spreads toward midrib.

Entire blade rich ruby red.

Maroon.

Pale yellow in center of

blade; dark pink at apex,

lower half may remain green.

Plant is small to intermediate in size with small narrow

leaves. Typically grown for small containers and dish

gardens. Will begin to produce leaves with wider pink

margins as the light intensity is reduced. Susceptible

to fluoride toxicity.

Standard size plant. Widely plant around cemeteries

in parts of Hawaii to add color.

Medium size plant.

Medium height plant. Relatively slow growing and

color best in partial shade.

Stiff, upright growth habit.

Standard size plant.

Tall plant.

Dwarf plant.

Medium height plant. Slow grower.

Large plant.

Medium size plant. Leaves may burn in full sunlight

after coloring has appeared. Vigorous grower.

Kahuna 10 x 2

⁄2 inches; Pale to dark

undulating. green.

UH–CTAHR Hawaiian Ti OF-33 — Mar. 2007

Cultivar Leaves Leaf color Comments

Kauai Rose 8 x 4 inches; thick in Pink to rose extending from Medium height plant.

texture, arranged in leaf margin inward. Area

compact whorl around midrib may be green.

around the stem.

Kauai 8

⁄2 x 5 inches; thick Rich, rose red to purple. Intermediate height plant.

Rosebud texture, closely Section near midrib may

spaced, arranged be black.

like a rose.

Kalakaua 9

⁄2 x 4

⁄2 inches; thick, Pink margins with mid- Medium size plant. Growth is like a kahili.

spaced closely section purplish black.

together. Apical end

recurving.

Kilauea 18 x 5 inches; flat Dusky brown with red midrib Large plant.

and thin. and margins.

Kiwi Medium, narrow. Olive green heavily striped Intermediate height plant.

with yellow. Leaves are

margined with red that

sometimes spreads into red

streaks.

La‘i (common 30 x 4

⁄2 inches; pliable Clear glossy green.

Large plant. Used as garnish for food and by

green ti) but firm.

florists as cut foliage.

Lau Kea 10 inches long; slender. Pale yellow.

Lovely Hula 15 x 3 inches; Light green to pale yellow.

Medium height plant.

Hands lanceolate. Midrib may be green.

Makaleka Unique longish broad Green with white margin.

Large growing plant.

leaf. Center leaves occasionally

show a flash of white,

streaked with red.

Manoa 9 x 3

⁄4 inches; leaf Pink to rose.

Medium height plant. Leaves arranged compactly

Beauty margins strongly

at the terminal.

undulating and

incurving.

Maui Beauty 8

⁄2 x 3

⁄2 inches; Rose-red to purple.

Intermediate height plant. Vigorous grower producing

medium texture, Color may change to

many lateral branches. Some lateral branches may

undulating to slightly ruby red.

die due to over-crowding.

incurving.

Mauna Kea 9

⁄3 x 3

⁄2 inches; Pale, yellow with green

Medium height plant. Leaves are compactly arranged.

Snow (Snow margins slightly sections, especially

of Maunakea) undulating and around the midrib.

incurving.

Menehune 6 x 1 inches; lightly Pale green, pink, and

arrange in Kahili red blends.

fashion at tip of stem.

UH–CTAHR Hawaiian Ti OF-33 — Mar. 2007

Cultivar Leaves Leaf color Comments

Oahu Rainbow

(Rainbow)

Onomea

(Ono Mea)

Pele

Pele’s Flame

Pele’s Smoke

(Pele’s Hair,

Chocolate

Baby)

Peter Buck

(Kauka Wilder;

Sir Peter Buck)

Purple Prince

Red (Wine

Red, Wahine

‘o Hawai‘i)

Rosebud

Schubertti

(Kaupo

Beauty)

Tricolor

(Venustus)

White Fish

Bone

18 x 5 inches.

15 x 4 inches; large

under ideal conditions.

Thick texture, flat.

14 x 1

⁄2 inches;

lanceolate.

15 x 4

⁄2 inches;

thick texture,

margins undulating

and incurving.

21 x 4

⁄2 inches;

mature leaves are

strongly recurved or

folded backward.

21 x 6 inches; larger

under ideal conditions.

⁄2 x 2

⁄4 inches; flat.

⁄2 x 3 inches.

⁄2 x 5 inches; thick.

28 x 6 inches; flat,

thin texture, widely

spaced.

14 x 5

⁄2 inches;

incurving.

10 x 3

⁄2 inches;

medium texture and

twisting. Apex strongly

recurving.

Narrow streaks of light

green; different shades of

red run through entire leaf.

Immature leaves pink. At

maturity, maroon stripes on

green background, rose-

colored border and rose-

colored stripes toward tip.

Leaf margins and midrib

generally purple while the

rest of the leaf is brown.

Crimson with center black.

May have some streaks of

crimson running through the

black.

Olive black or dusky,

purplish-gray medium size

streaks run through a green

leaf.

Light to dark red; orange

red.

Violet at first; mature green

with pansy violet margins.

Ruby red.

Ruby red, pink to rose

green near midrib.

Green with red to broad,

brown streaks near margins.

Purple brown stripes about

center of leaf extending to

margins. Leaf margins are

generally yellow.

Green with rose red margins.

Area adjacent to leaf margin

is yellow.

Large cultivar. Slow grower.

Tall plant. Vigorous growing. Leaves used for export

cut foliage.

Intermediate height plant.

Medium height plant.

Medium size plant.

Grows tall. Good strong grower. Tends to produce leaves

with more green color when grown in heavy shade. In

full sun, some bleaching may take place. Strong grower

in full sunlight.

Intermediate height plant. Very slow grower. Fully

colored leaves will burn easily if not properly

protected from sunlight.

Medium height plant. Plants are of moderate vigor.

Leaves arranged in compact whorl.

Tall plant.

Medium height plant. Fast growing. When the terminal

is cut off, several side branches are produced.

Small to medium height plant. Fish bone (protrusion

of midrib) is small when plant is young but increases

in size as plant matures.