Lāʻī, or ti leaf, are likely the most versatile plant used for lei making. The green, red, or yellow leaves come from an upright evergreen shrub, with slender single or branched stems. Lāʻī are considered to be a sacred plant and used by kahuna to bring protection from evil and to bring in good spirits.

In traditional Hawaiian culture, Ti Leaves are considered to be sacred to Lono, the Hawaiian God of fertility and Laka, the Goddess of Hula. The leaves are also used by Kahuna priests to ward off evil and bring in good spirits. Today, Hawaiians continue to believe that Ti Plants bring good luck and ward off evil.

The Hawaiian Ti plant, Cordyline fruticosa, may sound like an unusual name, but it’s well-loved by those who favor charismatic houseplants. Among a few of its names are the Baby Doll, Ti Leaf, and the Good Luck plant. The leaves are large, long, and predominately purple with a flash of pinks, greens, whites, or cream colorations.

A Hawaiian Ti plant is one of the most colorful foliage plants you can purchase. The cane-like woody stems produce sword-shaped leaves 2ft.-5ft. in length and 5″ to 7″ in width. Leaf color can be a solid color or a mixture of maroon, purple, rose, yellow, cream, white, pink, green, or just plant solid green.