Cordyline terminalis ‘Hot Pepper’ Care Guide
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LightHigh
Can live in low light but performs better when exposed to medium light and also brings out the leaf color. Direct sun will burn leaves. -
WaterMedium
Water when you receive them. Enjoys being kept on the moist side but not soggy. Water well and then allow the soil to dry out. -
HumidityHigh
Enjoys high humidity. Spritz occasionally. -
Temperature 65 to 95
Keep this plant in rooms where the temperature is a comfortable 65°F-95°F and avoid cold drafts below 50°F. -
Hardiness Zones10|11|12
Outside: Keep them in part shade on a patio out of direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn where nights are above 50°F. -
FertilizingSeasonally
Apply at half-strength a liquid fertilizer especially formulated with a higher nitrogen formulation ( 24-8-16 or 20-10-20 N-P-K formulation) every two month during the growing season between early spring and fall. A slow release fertilizer can be used as a top dressing instead of a liquid fertilizer. -
Re-potting2 Years
When receiving the Hawaiian Ti plant, do not repot immediately but wait at least 6-12 months or if the roots are beginning to get crowded and growing through the drainage holes. Repot in the spring, using a 2 inches bigger pot to keep the roots drier. (Too big of a pot could cause the soil to dry slower, which is not helpful.)
Place a piece of screening at the bottom of the container over the drainage hole to secure the soil and allow to drain. Use a well-draining indoor potting mix with perlite to help with drainage.
Water your plant in the old pot before transferring over and let them sit an hour.
Add soil to the bottom to elevate the root ball. Lift the plant and release the roots against the existing planter. Use a clean knife or garden trowel to wedge between the pot and the soil to loosen.
Inspect the root ball. Notice if there are any dead or rotting roots and trim off with sterile pruners. If the plant is rootbound, cut through the roots to alleviate continued encircling.
Ensure the plant is sitting about 1 inch below the edge of the pot to avoid water spillage. Add more soil and backfill around the sides by tamping down. Fill up to the soil line but not over.
Water thoroughly, leaving the soil damp but not soggy. If settling occurs, add more soil.
Water well to dampen the soil and let drain.
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CleaningMonthly
When watering your Hawaiian Ti plant, it’s an excellent time to trim off any browning, yellowing, or discolored leaves. If they are getting leggy, prune back the plant to a foot above the soil. Branching will occur and encourage a bushier and fuller plant. Use these cuttings to propagate. Remove any debris from the soil and replenish if needed. To clean debris and dust off the leaves: Place the Ti plant in a shower or tub.
Fill a watering can with a shower spout with filtered, bottled, or water free of chlorine and fluoride.
Shower the leaves, so each one is clear of dust and dirt.
Let the water drain and replace your plant in the decorative container.
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PropagationCuttings
In the spring or summer, take a stem cutting between 6-8 inches long with leaves attached using sanitized pruners. Dip the cuttings in water, then in a rooting hormone.
Use a pot with drainage. and place the stem 1-2 inches down into the damp, well-draining, moist potting soil mix and tamp down around the stem securing them.
Set them in bright, indirect sunlight while they are rooting.
Check the moisture and humidity each day and add misting to keep the soil moist while the roots establish.
After 6-8 weeks, roots will begin to establish. You can tug onto the stem to ensure the roots are secure.
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