Share
I have got Ti plant (Cordyline fruticosa) its leaves get stripped
I don't overwater it
What do I need to do to revive it?
Thx
Hello @zillah
Thank you for sharing your question about your Ti plant.
Your Ti plant, Cordyline fruticosa, appears to be suffering from a combination of leaf spot disease and physical or insect damage, rather than overwatering. The brownish patches surrounded by yellow halos and the long streak-like lesions on the leaves indicate a fungal or bacterial leaf spot infection, which is common in Cordyline species. The irregular holes and shredding are most likely caused by insects such as caterpillars, grasshoppers, or beetles chewing through the leaves. In some cases, wind damage or sun scorch can worsen the appearance of infected leaves, causing them to tear along weakened spots.
Leaf spot diseases thrive in warm, humid conditions, particularly when water remains on the leaves. Overhead watering, poor air circulation, or dense planting can contribute to their spread. Insects are also drawn to plants under stress, so their presence often indicates issues with moisture balance or nutrition.
To help your plant recover, start by removing and disposing of the most affected leaves to reduce the spread of disease. Avoid watering the foliage and instead water at the base of the plant early in the morning so the soil can dry out through the day. Improve airflow by thinning nearby plants if the area is crowded. Apply a broad-spectrum fungicide suitable for ornamental plants, such as one containing copper oxychloride (Amgrow Oxychloride) special order product or Yates 150g Mancozeb Plus Garden Fungicide And Miticide, to control the leaf spot. If you continue to see new holes or chewing damage, spray the plant with a pyrethrum-based product such as Yates 750ml Ready To Use Pyrethrum Insecticide to control soft-bodied insects and caterpillars.
To aid recovery and prevent recurrence, feed the plant with a balanced liquid fertiliser such as Seasol Power Feed 700ml Click And Grow Fertiliser And Soil Conditioner Pouch or similar every few weeks during the growing season to strengthen new growth. Remove all dead or damaged leaves so the plant can focus its energy on healthy foliage. Ensure it receives bright, filtered light rather than full sun, and keep the soil slightly moist but never soggy.
Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask when using chemical sprays.
If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.
Eric
