Hawaiian Ti Plant 'Red Sister' (Cordyline fruticosa 'Red Sister')

Hawaiian ti plant 'Red Sister' (Cordyline fruticosa 'Red Sister') is a popular cultivar of the ti plant, prized for its intense, deep burgundy-red to hot pink foliage. Native to Southeast Asia and Pacific Islands, it's a member of the Agavaceae family and a staple in tropical landscapes and containers.

Description

Upright, cane-like shrub 4–6 feet tall (smaller in containers). Leaves are broad, strap-shaped, 12–24 inches long, emerging bright pink/red, maturing to deep burgundy with pink margins. Canes are slender, ringed. Rarely flowers indoors; fragrant, pale lavender flowers in panicles followed by red berries in tropics.

Growing Conditions

• Zones: 10–11 outdoors; widely grown as houseplant/container plant.
• Light: Bright, indirect light to full sun. Best color in bright light; tolerates shade (greener).
• Soil: Well-drained, rich, slightly acidic.
• Water: Keep evenly moist; allow surface to dry slightly. Reduce in winter.
• Temperature: 65–85°F (18–29°C); damaged below 50°F (10°C).
• Humidity: High humidity preferred.

Care & Maintenance

Remove brown lower leaves. Feed monthly with balanced fertilizer. Repot every 2–3 years. Prune canes to control height and encourage branching. Propagate from stem cuttings or cane sections. Fluoride sensitivity—use distilled water.

Uses

Tropical landscapes, hedges, specimen containers, houseplants. Cultural uses in Hawaii (lei, hula skirts, cooking wrap). Air-purifying.

Potential Issues

Leaf tip burn from fluoride, low humidity, or overfertilization. Spider mites, mealybugs. Root rot in wet soil. Color fades in low light.

A bold, colorful foliage plant that brings instant tropical drama to any setting.