Introduction

The tropical Cordyline Fruticosa — also known as the Hawaiian Ti Plant — is admired for its glossy leaves in shades of deep red, green, and pink.
At TOMs FLOWer CLUB, we love this plant not only for its beauty but also because it can be easily propagated from head cuttings, allowing you to grow healthy, new plants from an existing one.

Propagating from a head cutting means taking the top leafy section of your plant — the “head” — and encouraging it to root. It’s a quick, satisfying method that works beautifully for home growers.

🌿 What You’ll Need

• A healthy, mature Cordyline Fruticosa

• A sharp, clean knife or pruning shears

• Rooting hormone (optional but helpful)

• A glass of water or pot with well-draining organic substrate

• A bright, warm location (indirect light)

✂️ Step 1: Select the Right Cutting

Choose a strong, healthy stem tip with at least 4–6 leaves.
Using a sterilized knife or pruners, cut the top section — ideally 10–15 cm long. Make the cut just below a node (the point where leaves emerge).

Remove any lower leaves so that a few centimeters of bare stem remain. This is where the roots will develop.

💧 Step 2: Prepare the Cutting

If you wish, dip the cut end lightly in rooting hormone. This encourages faster root growth and reduces the risk of rot — especially if you’re propagating in soil.

🌸 Step 3: Choose Water or Soil

You can root the head cutting either in water or directly in substrate.

Water method:

• Place the cutting in a clean glass of room-temperature water.

• Ensure only the stem (not the leaves) is submerged.

• Change the water every 3–5 days to keep it fresh.

Soil method:

• Use a light, permeable organic substrate, similar to what we use at TOMs FLOWer CLUB.

• Keep it slightly moist but never soggy.

• A transparent plastic dome or bag can help maintain humidity.

🌿 Step 4: Root Formation

Within 3–6 weeks, you’ll start to see new white roots forming.
If you rooted your cutting in water, transplant it to a pot once the roots are 3–5 cm long.

Choose a small, breathable pot and fill it with a well-aerated organic mix — this helps prevent waterlogging and root rot.

☀️ Step 5: Aftercare

• Place your new plant in bright, indirect light.

• Keep the substrate evenly moist — not wet.

• Mist occasionally to maintain humidity.

• Avoid fertilizing for the first month; then use a mild, organic fertilizer every few weeks.

As new leaves appear, you’ll know the cutting has fully established.

🌴 The Joy of Propagation

Propagating Cordyline Fruticosa from head cuttings is a simple way to expand your tropical collection — or to share a living gift with someone special. Each new plant carries the same vivid colors and tropical charm as its parent.

At TOMs FLOWer CLUB, we believe every propagation connects you more deeply with nature — one rooted cutting at a time.

👉 Explore our curated collection of rare, organically grown tropical plants at TOMs FLOWer CLUB.