Re: Cordyline terminalis "Red Sister"

K1MIZE@aol.com wrote:
> 
> I recently purchased a plant just labeled "Red Sister" and determined that it
> is a cultivar of Cordyline terminalis.  Should this be treated strictly as a
> houseplant, or is it something I can keep outside on a covered patio?  I know
> nothing of its cold-hardiness or cultural requirements and would appreciate
> hearing from anyone who has experience growing these in a medit-climate area.
>  Thanks.
> 
Cordyline terminalis (apparently more correctly C fruticosa) is the
Polynesian Ti and is known throughout the Pacific, where it is valued
for the food in its starchy rhizomes. I have grown it many years in my
glasshouse, having both a bright red form and one with pink and green
striped leaves, but your question encouraged me to check and I find it
can safely be grown outdoors in zones 10-12. They say that in the
tropics it will reach 10ft or more, but is usually no more than 3-6 feet
in more temperate gardens. It likes a rich moist, well-drained soil and
enjoys part shade as its rather delicate leaves do tend to sunburn if
too exposed.

I would definitely encourage you to try it on your patio. One problem in
the glasshouse is that it very easily gets attacked by spider mites, and
I often have to apply oil treatment to the leaves to control this.

It is very easy to reproduce. If one beheads the plant, the terminal
shoot makes a good cutting and the remaining stem will respond by
growing a whole raft of shoots, most of which can also be detached to
grow into new plants. My book on houseplants says one can cut bare stems
into sections which will also root.

Moira
-- 
Tony & Moira Ryan <theryans@xtra.co.nz>
Wainuiomata, 
New Zealand (astride the "Ring of Fire" in the SW Pacific).
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