Red Sister Plants – A Guide to Growing

Red sisters (Cordyline fruticosa) are ornamental plants par excellence. ‘Plant sisters’ is the name by which they are known in Angola. With their thick, upright stalks and burgundy-red leaves, red sisters are the first ornamental plants that many keen gardeners and novice houseplant-keepers reach for in their quest for vegetal beauty in their plant-bearing landscapes or collections. Ornamental plants can perfume the senses and place both the humble and the affluent on the map. A relative of the banana, red sisters are native to Southeast Asia and the indigenous peoples of the Pacific Islands. In the European vernacular, they are often called dracaena, cup-and-saucer plants or paintbrush plants. In the tropics and other subtropical regions, red sisters are used for mass plantings that splash, like bright red paint, or add a touch of the exotic to landscapes everywhere.

Welcome to our ultimate Red Sister plants guide, where you’ll find everything you need to know about these fascinating plants, from their origin, propagation, and care tips to their most common issues, and design ideas to plant into your living space

What Are Red Sister Plants?

The Red Sister plant is a cultivar of Cordyline fruticosa, also known as the Good Luck Plant, Hawaiian Ti or Ti Plant. These distinctive plants are grown for their paddle-shaped, sword-like leaves – usually burgundy or sometimes pinkish or purple. The vivid colour of the foliage makes Cordyline fruticosa a popular addition to tropical gardens, and also works well when planted en masse. It’s no surprise that it also makes a great houseplant because the dark colour of the leaves acts as a great foil to green or neutral-toned foliage.

Origins and History

This type of cordated in the tropics and subtropics since ancient times but, intriguingly, has only made its way to the rest of the world in the past few thousand years. The plant is thought to have an ancient spiritual and cultural history, especially in Polynesia where it has been used in ritualistic practices and as a material for hula skirts, leis and other applications, and even as a food. In many regions, the Red Sister cultivar (‘Rubra’) developed a favoured status because of the heightened intensity of its hue. Landscapers relish its capacity to instil a sense of drama on- strategically deploy it in their plantings to make a gregarious statement.

Characteristics

These fragile plants can grow between 3 and 10 feet tall, and remain evergreen. A smooth, branching softwood, it grows in a clumping habit, meaning that the plant’s foliage appears to grow in a denuded, bushy cluster. In spring, the leaves emerge in abundance, draping upward and outward on long stems, often growing longer than a foot. Plant height and leaf colours vary depending on the cultivar, with some reaching up to 30 inches in length, and an array of dazzling colourations, including red, pink or maroon leaves (sometimes with subtle veining of two or three colours).

How to Grow Red Sister Plants

Caring for Red Sister plants, whether it be in your garden or as house plants, can be fairly easy. Although they have some basic care requisites, paying close attention to these factors is essential to make sure your Red Sister plants grow beautifully and healthily.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Red Sister prefers warm, humid conditions, which makes it perfect for growing in USDA hardiness zones 10 through 12. However, with time and attention, they can also be raised indoors in lower temperature zones as well.

Light Requirements

They thrive in bright, indirect light, which means they will grow and bloom if placed near a window that gets plenty of light. Though they can take some direct sun, especially if only briefly in the early morning or late afternoon, they can scorch if left to bask for long stretches in the hot sunlight of midday.

Soil Preferences

They thrive best in well-draining. Good potting mix for Red Sister plants could include peat, perlite and compost. If you’re planting outdoors, make sure the soil drains well, otherwise the plant’s roots could die if left in soggy soil or puddles that create waterlogged conditions, leading to root rot.

Temperature and Humidity

Like other tropical plants, Red Sister plants like temperatures between 65°F and 85°F (18°C and 29°C). Higher humidity is also preferred, so misting the leaves on a regular basis or placing the plant near a humidifier can be helpful in recreating the plant’s environment. When growing outdoors, the plants are not frost-tolerant, so they should be protected from cold or brought indoors when the weather turns cool.

Planting and Propagation

You can grow Red Sister from seeds or from a cutting. You can also grow it by division.

Planting from Seeds

Because it takes Red Sister plants several weeks to months to germinate from seed, it can be a drawn-out process to start them that way. If you do go that route, sow them in a well-draining potting mix, keep the soil damp, and place the pot in a warm, light location.

Propagation by Cuttings

Propagation by cuttings is more common and faster. Select a healthy stem cutting with one or two nodes. Remove lower leaves and put the cutting into water or directly to a potting mix. Keep some moisture in the soil and in four to six weeks you will see roots.

Division

A third way of sowing Red Sister is to divide it should your plant get large and generous. Simply dig it out from its pot, break up the biggest clumps, and replant the pieces.

Watering and Fertilization

The Red Sister needs just the right amount of water: too much and the roots get damaged by rot, but too little and the leaves wilt and turn pale.

Watering Guidelines

Water Red Sister only when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Make sure it has a good soaking until the soil is evenly moist but not soggy. During hotter months, you’ll need to water more often, but in the cooler months as growth slows, cut back on watering.

Fertilization

However, Red Sisters require frequent fertilisation throughout the growing season, typically from spring to early fall, using a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser every four to six weeks to promote lush green foliage, new growth and abundant blooms. Too much fertiliser will cause a build-up of salts in the soil, so holding off on fertiliser is recommended.

Common Issues and Solutions

While Red Sister plants are naturally going to be pretty no-fuss, hassle-free and hardy when it comes to growing, these plants can sometimes have problems. By knowing about them and what you can do, you can keep plants in tip-top condition.

Pests

Red Sister can become home to common houseplant pests such as spider mites, aphids and mealybugs. Never put the plant where you can’t see the leaves, and check them once a month for signs of an infestation. If you see small webs, a sticky covering or tiny insects, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, and isolate the plant from others until it is free of pests.

Diseases

Root rot is a fungal disease that can strike the Red Sister if you overwater it or plant it in soil that drains poorly. Make sure your plant is sitting in well-draining the plant develops root rot and is in early stages of root decay, you should cut away the brown parts from the roots and plant it back into fresh, dry soil.

Leaf Discoloration

If your Red Sister plants ‘tire out’ and start to pale, it could be that they don’t get enough light – or could be that they’re overexposed. Tweak the lighting situation accordingly. It’s also possible that a yellowing of leaves is due to overwatering, while brown tips are a symptom of low humidity or underwatering.

Creative Ways to Incorporate Red Sister Plants into Your Space

With its colourful and tactile flowers, vibrant foliage and spiky seedheads, the red sister is a plant that can be used in many diverse roles for your home and garden interior and exterior. Here are some suggestions.

In the Garden

Pic: WikipediaBright red sisters make a bold statement in the garden, so they should be grouped together in planting beds and borders. They take centre stage when paired, or mixed, with other eye-catching tropicals, such as ferns, hibiscus, or bird of paradise flowers. Plant alongside water features to add drama and colour. Groups of sister plants look great in mixed borders, but they are equally stunning when grown in containers to add allee markers or decoration for patios or decks.