How to Grow and Care for Hawaiian Tie plants
The Hawaiian tie plant is a beauty that can really light up your garden, the Hawaiian tie plant has several different names such as the tree of kings, three sisters, the miracle plant, and so on but it does not matter the many common names this plant has, what does matter is this garden beauty can add that much-needed color.
The Hawaiian ti plant can also be grown and cared for indoors which we will be discussing a bit later but for now, I want us to look at how to successfully install these plants in our garden and landscapes. I have seen many beautiful garden designs with a nice display of tie plants, including several projects which I was involved with that give that WOW.
Things you will need to know
- Planting Location
- Soil Type
- Watering Methods
- Fertilizing Methods
- Garden insect pest of the Hawaiian tie plant
- Diseases of the Hawaiian ti plant
- Ideas on where to install them
Planting Location
The Hawaiian tie plant grows well in full to partial sun, what I discovered over the years is in order for this plant to maintain its rich color it must be exposed to sunlight.
Soil Type
The soil type should be a soil that holds moisture well but allows excess water to drain, the soil should also be slightly acidic.
Watering Methods
When watering ensure that the soil is moist then allow it to dry somewhat before giving your tie plant another drink of water.
Fertilizing Methods
Fertilizing your tie plant every three months with triple twenty liquid feed will keep your plant in top shape. Before applying fertilizers read and follow the manufacturer’s label because the label is the law.
Garden insect pests of the Hawaiian tie plant
As beautiful as the Hawaiian tie plant these garden beauties have their share of insect pests which includes.
- Slugs
- Snails
- Scales
- Thrips
- MealyBugs
- Aphids
Slugs and snails will eat parts of the leaves turning this beautiful plant into a nightmare. To control these garden pests follow this link for control measures. Controlling slugs and snails in the garden.
Mealybugs, thrips, aphids, and scales are sucking insect which will suck the plant’s sap causing injury. For more on these garden insect pests follow this link. Pest control methods, also the use of insecticidal soap will bring these garden insect pests under control.
Diseases of the Hawaiian tie plant
There are many fungal problems that contribute to the spread of the disease of the Hawaiian ti plant therefore care should be taken so as to avoid these issues. These problems include.
- Fluoride Toxicity
- Fusarium stem and root rot
- Fusarium leaf spot
- Bateria leaf spot and stem rot
Fluoride Toxicity
This disease is recognized by the margins and the leaf tips that turn brown and die. Avoid using a potting mix that contains perlite also ensure that the soil ph is anywhere from 6.0-65 and that the fluoride content in the water is not that high.
Fusarium stem and root rot
Signs show up as tan spots appearing on the stem near the soil line, the lower leaves turn yellow and wilt. The plant’s roots also turn brown. Infected plants should be removed and properly disposed of also applying fungicides to healthy plants will offer some help, try to avoid overhead watering.
Fusarium leaf spot
The tips of the younger leaves develop oval spots that are reddish-brownish in color, this infected spot also has a halo that is a bright yellow. The use of fungicides on healthy plants along with avoiding overwatering will offer some help.
Bacterial leaf spot and stem root
The symptoms of this disease show up as slimy and wet leaves, also the plant’s roots turn black and die. Remove infected plants and properly discard of.
Ideas where to install the Hawaiian ti plant
Here are a few places to install these garden beauties.
- In your garden areas
- Near Fences
- Alongside patios and porches
- Near Walls
- Along garden walkways
- At the entrance of doorways
- On the interior
Growing Hawaiian ti plants in containers
Container grown ti plant is a great way to care for these garden beauties. The advantage of growing ti plants in containers is the containers can always be moved around to avoid the winter frost or other adverse conditions or you may want a different change as far as shifting things around is concerned.
When growing ti plants from containers it is best to use soil such as an organic soil mix that will hold the right amount of water but will allow excess water to drain also, ensure that your container has drain holes for water to have a way of escape. Fertilize as stated above and remember to place your container in an area that gets full to partial sun.
Growing Hawaiian ti plants indoors
As an interior plantscape designer of the five-star resort where I was employed many years ago the ti plant was one of those plants that were used to bring both color and life into the interior. When installing ti plants indoors use potting soil that has good drainage, it is best to place plants in an area that gets bright light.
The container should have drain holes to allow water to drain and a saucer at the bottom of the container to collect the water that drains. When fertilizing your Hawaiian tie plant fertilize once a month during the growing season which is spring through summer with a liquid feed fertilizer such as triple twenty, before applying fertilizers, read and follow the manufacturer’s direction because the label is the law.
Brown Tips
A common challenge of growing tie plants is having to deal with the tips of the leaves turning brown. This browning may be because of high salt content in the water, damaged roots, over-fertilizing, poor soil ( the soil is too sandy and can’t hold water ), compacted soils causing water to be restricted from getting to the roots, or because of soil compaction, the plant has a hard time developing a strong healthy root system.
I know this may seem like a lot but becoming a plant detective and going through the process of elimination will ensure that your tie plant is growing healthy especially as it puts forth new leaves. Ensure that the water you are using is salt-free or distilled water.
The final word
The Hawaiian tie plant is beautiful and the work is worth the effort. When growing healthy because of the right condition the color is just dazzling and will give that WOW, this was my experience on many occasions as I worked on many garden projects. So go ahead and plant some you will be glad that you did.
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About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.