How to Use TI Leaves in Floral Arrangements

by Lois Lawrence

Overview

Ti leaves make their way into the repertoire of most experienced floral designers because of their staying power and versatility. The long, wide and flexible foliage lends itself to a number of applications. Ti leaves are cultivated in a variety of colors including a deep emerald green, a rich garnet red, and a variegated rainbow blend featuring a light grayish-green center and a brilliant pink edge and stem. This makes ti leaves an attractive choice for anyone interested in creating a dramatic arrangement using an affordable number of stems.

Step 1

Arrange ti leaves to extend the breadth of a floral spray. For a vertical arrangement, reinforce the leaves if necessary by inserting wire through the central vein.
Step 2

Use ti leaves as an underlay for a table arrangement. Cut the leaves to the desired length and arrange them in a star burst design. For more flair, alternate green leaves with variegated or red leaves.
Step 3

Dress up an ordinary container by wrapping it in ti leaves fastened with a ribbon or strands of raffia, which is available in most craft and floral supply shops.
Step 4

Create an impressive arrangement by forming ti leaves cut to the desired length into loops and arranging them in two or more overlapping layers toward the outer edges of a shallow container. Start by placing a block of florist's foam in the container. As you work, fasten the cut ends of the leaves to the block of foam with florist's pins. Finish by arranging flowers of your choice in the center of the ti leaf "bow" you have fashioned.
Step 5

Wrap the cut stems of a bouquet of tulips or lilies with ti leaves and fasten with ribbons and pearl-tipped pins to make a quick but sophisticated bridal bouquet.

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Floral container Ti leaves Florist's clay or foam Florist's pins Florist's ties Raffia or ribbon
Floral container
Ti leaves
Florist's clay or foam
Florist's pins
Florist's ties
Raffia or ribbon
If you cannot find ti leaves at your local florist, they are widely available on line and typically ship well with the cut leaf stems wrapped in damp cotton. Ti leaves are most often sold in bunches of ten.
If you cannot find ti leaves at your local florist, they are widely available on line and typically ship well with the cut leaf stems wrapped in damp cotton. Ti leaves are most often sold in bunches of ten.