Cordyline Terminalis in the Desert?

[ando.wsu]

I was wondering if anyone has had any success with Ti Plants (terminals) inland. Say specifically something similar to what you could find in Phoenix.

I have a couple plants that I have had for a while in pots. They looked great at the end of last summer outside from September through winter, until this spring when spider mites nearly knocked them out. I never have been able to keep them good looking indoors due to poor lighting and air conditioner drafts that make them look less than pleasant looking.

So, if anyone has any experience with them looking okay and surviving outside in hot climates please chime in. I am assuming full shade... but curious as to if anyone has had any success.

Ando

[fastfeat]

I've never tried, but probably could be grown (as you suggested) in shade there, with sufficient moisture and humidity. Heat per se probably isn't an issue, but lack of humidity would likely be the limiting factor.

[bahia]

I'd suggest adding misters on a timed system to keep the humidity up, and growing them in bright shade and protected from drying winds. I have the opposite problem getting them to grow well outdoors here in the SF Bay Area, it just isn't warm enough for them to thrive, and they are constantly being attacked by slugs and snails.

[ando.wsu]

thanks guys for some advice. I pretty much wanted to hear I think, that the heat shouldn't be a problem. I know winter temps maybe the problem, but i'm planting them out. Full shade, I just cannot seem to keep any potted plant alive for longer than a year.

[Brian Bruning]

There are folks growing Ti in the most protected parts of Palm Springs. Spider mites can be a problem so use a systemic insecticide. Does anyone have rare types to offer plants or logs of? I'm looking for Rooster Tail which is a brilliant red or similar.