Ti plant (cordyline): vase life, season, meaning and care for florists
Cordyline fruticosa
Ti plant (cordyline) (Cordyline fruticosa, family Asparagaceae) usually lasts 14–21 days in a vase. In season: Year-round. Fragrance: none. Typical role in a design: foliage.
Cut flower commercial monograph
- Official name
- Ti plant (cordyline)
- Botanical name
- Cordyline fruticosa
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Aliases
- ti plant
- Native origin
- Temperate and subtropical regions worldwide
- Growth habit
- Woody perennial shrub or decorative branch with structural lignified stems.
- Stem length
- 80–120 cm
- Natural colours
- Red, Purple, Green
- Natural bloom
- Natural flowering in spring and summer
- Commercial supply
- Available year-round via commercial greenhouse production
- Harvest stage
- Harvest when buds show true colour and outer petals loosen (Stage 2–3).
- Vase life
- 14–21 days
- Cold storage
- Cold storage suitable (2–5°C constant temperature, high humidity).
- Special care
- Long glossy leaves in burgundy, pink or green; fold, loop or use flat as a bold colour block. Very long-lasting; wipe leaves to restore the shine.
- Application
- Serves primarily as Foliage in modern floristry, ideal for table arrangements and event designs.
- Market notes
- Long glossy leaves in burgundy, pink or green; fold, loop or use flat as a bold colour block. Very long-lasting; wipe leaves to restore the shine.
For florists
Try Ti plant (cordyline) in a client design
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Try it as a design — freeCare and conditioning
- Long glossy leaves in burgundy, pink or green; fold, loop or use flat as a bold colour block. Very long-lasting; wipe leaves to restore the shine.
- Ti plant (cordyline) is mildly toxic to cats and dogs: remind clients with pets to keep it out of reach.
Where it fits
| Use | Why | |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital visits and condolences | ✓ | Not strongly scented and no heavy pollen. Check that the ward accepts fresh flowers. |
| Weddings | ✓ | No pollen staining, and it lasts long enough to make up a day ahead. |
| Dining tables and restaurants | ✓ | Little or no scent, so it will not compete with the meal. |
| Homes with cats or dogs | ! | Mildly toxic if eaten — advise keeping it out of reach. |
| Making ahead and next-day delivery | ✓ | Long-lasting (about 14–21 days) — good for orders prepared ahead and weekly contract flowers. |
Pairs well with
These are available at the same time as ti plant (cordyline) and have a similar vase life (foliage lasts at least as long), so the arrangement ages evenly:
| Flower | Role | Vase life |
|---|---|---|
| Anthurium | Focal flower | 14–21 days |
| Carnation | Focal flower | 10–14 days |
| Bird of paradise | Focal flower | 10–14 days |
| Statice | Filler flower | 10–14 days |
| Craspedia (billy buttons) | Filler flower | 10–14 days |
| Alstroemeria | Filler flower | 10–14 days |
Substitutes
When ti plant (cordyline) is unavailable, out of season or priced up before a holiday, these fill the same role at the same time of year:
| Flower | Vase life | In season | Fragrance | Pets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palm leaves | 14–21 days | Year-round | None | — |
| Salal | 14–21 days | Year-round | None | — |
| Aspidistra | 14–21 days | Year-round | None | — |
| Loquat leaves | 14–21 days | Year-round | None | — |
FAQ
How long does ti plant (cordyline) last in a vase?
Usually 14–21 days, depending on variety, origin and conditioning.
When is ti plant (cordyline) in season?
It is available year-round.
How do you keep ti plant (cordyline) fresh?
Long glossy leaves in burgundy, pink or green; fold, loop or use flat as a bold colour block. Very long-lasting; wipe leaves to restore the shine.
What colours does ti plant (cordyline) come in?
Naturally in red, purple, green (not counting dyed stems).
Is ti plant (cordyline) toxic to cats or dogs?
Mildly toxic to cats and dogs if eaten.
What can I use instead of ti plant (cordyline)?
Flowers with the same role, an overlapping season and a similar vase life: Palm leaves, Salal, Aspidistra, Loquat leaves.
Related guides
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