Ti Plant ‘Hot Pepper’ (Cordyline fruticosa ‘Hot Pepper’)

Ti Plant ‘Hot Pepper’ (Cordyline fruticosa ‘Hot Pepper’)

Ti Plant ‘Hot Pepper’ (often marketed as Red Sensation) is a vibrant tropical foliage plant loved for its intense red to deep burgundy leaves and bold, upright form. It’s perfect for adding instant color to patios, pool areas, and warm-climate landscapes—and it also performs well indoors in bright light. The richer the light, the stronger the color.

Ideal for: tropical landscape beds, patio containers, pool areas, entryways, bright indoor spaces, and warm-climate gardens with partial sun.

🌿 Plant Features

Botanical Name: Cordyline fruticosa ‘Hot Pepper’
Common Name: Ti Plant ‘Hot Pepper’, Red Ti Plant, “Red Sensation” (common trade name)
Plant Type: Tropical evergreen foliage plant (ti plant)
Foliage: Long, lance-shaped leaves in vivid red to deep burgundy tones
Growth Habit: Upright, cane-form plant; can branch and become fuller with pruning
Mature Size:
• Outdoors (warm climates): ~4–8 ft tall (varies by climate and care)
• Indoors/containers: commonly ~2–5 ft tall
Visual Style: Bold, modern tropical color accent; dramatic red foliage
USDA Zones: 10–12 outdoors (grown as a houseplant elsewhere)

🪴 Care & Maintenance Guide

🌞 Light

Best: Bright, indirect light indoors
Outdoors: Partial sun to filtered sun (morning sun is ideal)
Tip: Brighter light generally produces deeper red color
Avoid: Harsh afternoon sun (leaf scorch), deep shade (faded color)

💧 Watering

Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy
Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil begin to dry
Tip: Ti plants prefer consistency—don’t let it stay bone-dry for long periods

🪨 Soil

Rich, well-draining potting mix
Add perlite/bark for improved drainage if needed
Drainage holes required for container-grown plants

🌡️ Temperature & Humidity

Ideal temperature: 65–85°F (18–29°C)
Prefers moderate to higher humidity (helps prevent brown tips)
Avoid cold drafts and temperatures below ~55°F (13°C)

🌿 Fertilization

Feed every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer (follow label directions)
Reduce feeding in fall/winter

✂️ Pruning

Trim canes to control height and encourage branching (best in spring/summer)
Remove damaged leaves as needed
Tip: Cutting back can encourage a fuller, bushier plant

⚠️ Common Issues

Brown tips: low humidity, underwatering, or salt buildup
Faded color: insufficient light
Yellowing leaves: overwatering or poor drainage
Spider mites (indoors): treat early if detected

📦 What You’ll Receive

One healthy Ti Plant ‘Hot Pepper’ (Cordyline fruticosa ‘Hot Pepper’) in a nursery pot
Natural variations in red color intensity, height, and fullness are normal
Minor cosmetic leaf marks may occur from normal growing/handling

✅ Acclimation Tip

Allow 2–4 days after delivery before repotting. Start in bright, indirect light and increase light gradually if moving outdoors. Keep watering consistent while it adjusts.

⚠️ Safety Note

Cordyline (Ti Plant) is toxic if ingested (pets and children—especially cats and dogs). Keep out of reach, and wash hands after pruning if you have sensitive skin.