Foliage at Kalani Tropicals
At Kalani Tropicals, we grow a variety of lush, tropical foliage that enhances our floral arrangements and adds a vibrant backdrop to our flower gift specials. Some of the foliage we cultivate includes Ti plants, Dracaena, Croton leaves, Song of India, and Laua’e ferns. These plants are not only important for their beauty but also for their cultural and practical uses in Hawaiian traditions. Below, we dive into the unique qualities of these plants and how we incorporate them into our offerings.

Ti Plants: A Symbol of Culture and Good Fortune
Ti plants hold deep cultural significance in Hawaii. Native Hawaiians believe that owning these plants brings good luck and helps ward off misfortune. It’s common to see Ti plants around properties in Hawaii—often lining fences or surrounding homes. These plants have earned several nicknames, including “good luck plants,” “miracle plants,” and “tree of kings.” Ti plants are especially known for their role in Hawaiian culture, where they are used to create leis made from their striking leaves. These Ti leaf leis are worn during important ceremonies such as graduations, weddings, and festivals, symbolizing achievement, good fortune, and respect. At Kalani Tropicals, we grow many varieties of Ti plants, which provide a vibrant and tropical foliage backdrop for all our floral arrangements.

Growing and Caring for Ti Plants
Ti plants thrive in warm, moist, and lightly shaded environments while young. As they mature, they gradually require more sunlight and drier conditions. During the fall and winter months, the plants’ colors become richer and more intense compared to the spring and summer months when rainfall is more frequent. These plants can grow from about 1/2 foot to over 10 feet tall, with leaves reaching up to 3 feet in length. At Kalani Tropicals, our Ti plants provide a stunning foliage backdrop for our tropical floral arrangements, adding texture and vibrant color to each piece.

Versatile Uses of Ti Plants
The Ti plant is incredibly versatile and has numerous practical uses in Hawaiian culture. Its large, broad leaves are used to make raincoats, sandals, hula skirts, thatch for houses, food wrappers, and plates. The leaves also serve as slides for children on grassy hills. In Hukilau fishing, dry Ti leaves are fastened to fishing nets to guide fish into shallow water. The roots of the Ti plant have additional uses, including being baked and turned into a meal or distilled into okolehao, a type of brandy. Ti plants continue to be cherished for both their cultural and practical roles, and we’re proud to incorporate them into our floral arrangements at Kalani Tropicals.

Scientific and Local Names of Ti Plants
The scientific name of the Ti plant is Cordyline terminalis. The name Cordyline comes from the Greek word “kordyle,” meaning “club,” referring to the plant’s large, club-like roots. “Terminalis” refers to the flower clusters that grow at the tops of the plant’s leaf crowns. While “Ti” is the common name throughout the Pacific, it is written as “ki” in Hawaiian. In Thailand, Ti plants are known as Mak Pu Mak Mia, reflecting their widespread recognition in various cultures.

Song of India: A Unique Foliage Accent
Another foliage we use in our arrangements is the Song of India (Dracaena reflexa). This plant features narrow, arching leaves with vibrant yellow and green variegation, adding an exotic and colorful touch to our floral designs. Like Dracaena, Song of India thrives in tropical conditions, and its distinct look makes it a popular choice for both traditional Hawaiian lei designs and contemporary floral art. At Kalani Tropicals, we use Song of India to bring texture, contrast, and depth to our arrangements.

Croton Leaves: Bold and Beautiful
Croton leaves are another type of foliage we grow at Kalani Tropicals. Known for their bold, vibrant colors and dramatic patterns, Croton leaves add a unique flair to our floral arrangements. Their wide, glossy leaves come in a range of colors, from reds and oranges to yellows and greens, making them perfect for creating striking focal points in any design. Croton is a great addition to our tropical arrangements, offering both texture and a pop of color.

Dracaena: Elegant Foliage for Floral Arrangements
In addition to Ti plants, Kalani Tropicals also grows Dracaena, an elegant foliage used in many of our flower gift arrangements and specials. Dracaena’s tall, spiky leaves add a striking touch to any floral display. Its glossy, often variegated foliage, ranging from green to red, is both visually appealing and versatile, making it a favorite choice for both traditional and modern designs. Dracaena is hardy and thrives in various lighting conditions, making it an excellent choice for tropical arrangements.

Laua’e Ferns: A Delicate Tropical Touch
Laua’e ferns (Phymatosorus scolopendria) are another beautiful foliage we grow at Kalani Tropicals. These ferns have delicate, arching fronds that lend an airy, textured look to our floral arrangements. Laua’e ferns are popular in Hawaiian lei-making and are often used to add a light, graceful element to tropical designs. The soft, lush greenery of these ferns brings a sense of harmony and balance to any arrangement. At Kalani Tropicals, we incorporate Laua’e ferns into our bouquets and specials to give them a fresh, tropical appeal.

Ti: More Than Just a Plant
Though the word “Ti” sounds like “tea,” these plants are not related to the tea plant. Ti plants are integral to Hawaiian heritage and continue to play a vital role in the culture, whether for good luck, as part of ceremonial leis, or for their practical uses in everyday life. At Kalani Tropicals, we take pride in growing a variety of Ti plants that enhance our tropical floral arrangements, along with other foliage like Dracaena, Song of India, Croton, and Laua’e ferns, to bring a touch of Hawaii’s beauty to every creation.