The Sunday Mail
Andrew Mangwarara
THERE are quite a few plants that attracts nostalgia like the cordyline terminalis does. It is the epitome of beauty in the plant kingdom, particularly in the tropical world.
It is one of those plants that demands attention, you just have to turn your head and admire it.
The cordyline terminalis is commonly referred to as the Ti plant, the Tree of kings or the good luck plant.
The Ti plant is part of the Agave vast family. Many people are familiar with the century plant – agave americana – which is part of the family. It originates from South East Asia.
This striking evergreen plant resembles a palm or dracaenas. However, its leaves are broader and coloured.
Two varieties are common – the tricolor which has 30 centimetre green leaves splashed with red, pink and cream; and the mesmerising rededge, which has 22 centimetre leaves with red streaks and red margin. Truly a spectacle!
Other varieties include the firebrand (curving reddish leaves) and guilfoylei (pink, red and white striped leaves).
lt is important to position the Ti plant in bright light. However, this should not be in direct sunlight, but in broken shade or on a screened veranda.
This garden gem can grow to a height of about 90 centimetres and a spread of about half-a-metre.
To propagate this plant, take stem cuttings from older plants of about 7, 5 centimetres and plant them upright in river sand. You can also make shorter stem cuttings (3-5cm) and lay them horizontally on the sand, cover them lightly.
Air layering or dividing clumps will multiply your collection.
Use a well drained potting mix with equal parts of loam, sand and compost. Repot every two years.
Water logged situations will attract bacterial soft rots and root rots.
Since it is a tropical plant, the Ti plant prefers high humidity. lts leaves will drop in an atmosphere that is too dry. Avoid a site with fluctuating temperatures.
Scorched leaves are a result of strong sunlight. When growing this plant, one can face a number of problems such as red spider mites, scales and mealy bugs. These are all sucking pests and therefore alternative systemic pesticides can be used. When dealing with sucking pests such as red spider mites, remember not to rely on one insecticide. Use a broad spectrum fungicide. If need be, cut back the whole plant and spray. This leaves the pest with no food source.
You will find that cordyline terminalis will make an excellent addition to your tropical garden. It will look good at shaded entrances. It will definitely take out the boredom out of your garden.
Other cordyline species are the cordyline australis and cordyline indivisa, both from New Zealand.
Enjoy gardening this gem. Feedback: [email protected]
