The ti plant, also known as ti and Hawaiian good-luck-plant, is technically classified as Cordyline terminalis. There are approximately 20 species of Cordyline, which is in the agave family, Agaveaceae. As one reads some of the older horticultural books, it will be noted that the Cordyline was formerly in the lily family, Liliaceae, and earlier, it was classified as Dracaena rather than Cordyline. There are many similarities between Cordyline and Dracaena with regard to their botanical classification and cultural requirements. Cordyline terminalis, a native of east Asia and is the most popular species of the genus for indoor potted plants. Some selections of ti plant are also used extensively as cut florist greens.

Although ti plants represent only a small portion of the potted foliage plant product mix, they are among the most colorful foliage plants. Small-leaved selections of ti plants are finished as small and medium pots for retail market outlets and for use in combination planters. Larger multi-branched plants in 6 to 14-inch pots are produced for large scale interior planting projects.