- Carithers Flowers Main Website- Wikipedia: Ti Leave Plant

Ti Leave Plants

Native to Southeast Asia

The Ti plant is a woody evergreen plant with glossy green leaves that grow up to two feet in length. The leaves are the part of the plant that is used the most although the plant also produces a starchy rhizome that can be cooked and eaten. When very ripe, this rhizome is quite sweet. Ti plants are native to parts of Polynesia, Asia, Papua New Guinea, Melanesia and northeastern Australia. While not native to Hawaii or New Zealand, the Ti plant was brought to those islands by Polynesian travelers. Although it does not resemble its smaller cousin in any way, the Ti plant, or Cordyline Fruticosa, is a member of the Asparagus plant.

It has been called the Good Luck plant. Also called Ki, the Ti plant was considered sacred to the Hawaiian god, Lono, and to the goddess of the hula, Laka. Ti is also a symbol of high rank and divine power. Ti Leaves have many uses, including some medicinal purposes as an aid for relaxation. The small flowers can be used to make an application for asthma. The roots can be eaten or made into liquor, but the leaves are the most often used part of the plant. Ti Leaves are used to wrap foods that need to be steamed, and they are used for clothing. Ti Leaves have also been used to thatch roofs and have been woven into sandals or for rain capes. Ti Leaves have been used for clothing by various cultures in its native region and continue to supply the materials for tourist gifts, including leis and skirts.

Growing Recommendations - Ti Leave Plant

Ti Leaves can be grown from cuttings taken from the woody stem. They then can be grown in a pot or in the garden. Ti Leaves need lots of water and a mild climate in order to grow and thrive in a garden setting, however. It is easy to plant them as they need only to be cut and stuck into the soil. Ti plants must be kept moist to thrive, so they cannot be grown in dry, hot climates. They can be rooted in water first if you like, but do not let the roots get too long as they can become brittle and may break. If you have rooted them in water, be sure to place them in good potting soil or into moist ground.

Photos of Ti Leave Plants

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