Cabbage Tree (Cordyline fruticosa), commonly called Ti plant, is a tropical evergreen shrub native to Southeast Asia, eastern Australia, and Pacific islands including Hawaii. In warm climates (zones 10-12), it grows as a striking accent plant reaching 9-15 feet tall with dramatic lance-shaped leaves up to 30 inches long. While it thrives outdoors only in far southern Florida, the Southwest, and Hawaii, gardeners in colder regions treasure it as a long-lived houseplant, where it typically reaches 3-6 feet indoors. Its showy seasonal flowers and fruit add ornamental interest, making it a sophisticated choice for tropical gardens and indoor displays.
Partial Shade
Moderate
10-12
180in H x 96in W
—
Moderate
Hover over chart points for details
The Cabbage Tree commands attention with its thin, elegantly arching lance-shaped foliage and ability to thrive in partial shade where many tropical plants struggle. It tolerates a surprising range of growing conditions in its native habitat, from boggy to dry soils, though it prefers evenly moist, well-drained conditions in cultivation. This long-lived broadleaf evergreen delivers year-round structure and drama, whether reaching full tree size in true tropical climates or settling into a graceful indoor specimen in cooler regions.
Cabbage Tree functions as an ornamental accent plant in tropical gardens, valued for its dramatic foliage and seasonal flowers. In colder climates, it serves as an indoor houseplant or a seasonal container display that moves between patios and indoors with the seasons. Its architectural leaf form makes it particularly effective for creating tropical atmosphere in interior spaces and as a focal point in mixed plantings.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
In zones 10-12, transplant into prepared garden soil enriched with organic matter once soil is warm and frost danger has passed. Space plants to accommodate mature width of 3-8 feet. For container cultivation in colder climates, use a well-drained, peaty potting mixture and move containers between patios and indoors seasonally.
Prune as needed to maintain desired size and shape. Cabbage Tree responds well to shaping to control its growth habit, which is particularly useful for indoor specimens or containerized plants. Remove any diseased or damaged foliage to maintain plant health.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.
“Cordyline fruticosa comes from the tropical regions of Southeast Asia, eastern Australia, and Pacific islands, where it has grown for centuries as both a practical and ornamental plant. The related species Cordyline australis, commonly called cabbage palm or giant dracaena, was introduced to the United States in the early 1800s from its native New Zealand and now grows in various locations across California and the southern U.S. Both species share the Cordyline lineage's reputation as sophisticated tropical specimens that have journeyed across oceans to find homes in temperate gardens as houseplants and container specimens.”