Pandanus, also called Screw Pine, is a genus of about 600 species of flowering plants in the screwpine family, Pandanaceae. They are native to the Old World tropics, especially the Malesian floristic region.
Is it easy to grow Pandanus plant? The plant is very easy to grow and is quite drought tolerant. It can be grown in a wide range of soils, from sandy to clay. It prefers a sunny position but will tolerate some shade. It is a fast grower and can reach up to 6m in height.
How big can it be? Common pandanus (P. amaryllifolius) plants are usually about 1.5 m in height, but can be as small as 0.5 m or as large as 3 m. They typically have a single trunk with many spreading branches, but some varieties can be shrubby. All pandanus plants have tough, sword-like leaves with sharp edges, which are arranged in spirals along the stems. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, but the fruit is large and fleshy, and often brightly coloured. Pandanus plants are found in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, and prefer sandy soils and sunny locations.
How fast is the growth? Although young plants only form 2-3 leaves per year, growth for adults is more intense. This is due to the difference in age and size between young and adult plants. Adults are able to produce more leaves because they are larger and have more energy.
| Plant Form | Shrub |
| Family | Pandanaceae |
| Origin | Tropical Africa, Fr. Madagascar, Polynesia |
How long is the lifespan? While Pandanus plants are not typically annual plants that only live for one year, they are also not exactly what most people would call "perennial" either. Most Pandanus plants only live for about 10-20 years, although some have been known to live for up to 30 years. There are a number of factors that can influence the lifespan of a Pandanus plant, such as the type of climate it is grown in and the amount of care it receives.
What is the ideal temperature? Eventually, the plant will become acclimated to the temperature and humidity of its new environment. It prefers the same desirable high temperature in winter and summer, best of all 75,2-82,4 ° F. In winter, the minimum temperature that a plant can withstand +64,4 ° F, otherwise the pandanus will quickly fall ill.
What about the humidity? While the plant does not like to be constantly wet, it does require a humidity of at least 60%. The best way to provide this is to spray the plant 2 times a day. In winter, when homes are heated, it is best to not put the plant next to radiators as this will dry it out. There are a number of ways to improve the humidity around the plant, so experiment to see what works best in your home.
What amount of light this plant needed? If you have a plant with bright leaves, it prefers bright, diffuse light lasting up to 8-10 hours. The best place for it is an east- or west-facing window. If your plant has green leaves, it can tolerate some shading.
What is good soil for Pandanus? When planting in open ground, it is necessary to take into account that the plant does not tolerate close proximity to the groundwater level, as the rhizome quickly begins to rot. It is necessary to provide good drainage of the soil. For this, when planting in open ground, sand is added to the planting hole. You can also use a mixture of your own preparation: 1 part of the turf ground, 1 part of the leaf land, 1 part peat, 1 part coarse-grained sand.
How much I must water Pandanus? Common rule of thumb is to water when the top layer of soil dries out. In summer that might be every 6-10 days. In winter, the plant will need less water, but you don't want the soil to completely dry out. Pandanus is not afraid of moisture, but you don't want to waterlog the plant.
About fertilizer. Sometimes, you may see this plant and wonder how to care for it. The good news is that it is easy to take care of a Pandanus plant. You will need to supplement the fertilizer 3-4 times in the spring, but you can also feed it regularly from May to October. You should only need to fertilize it about 1 time in 2 weeks. The Pandanus plant usually responds well to organic top dressing.
How to reproduce Pandanus? The Pandanus plant can be reproduced by upper or stalk cuttings with deciduous nodes that are 15-20 cm long. The root of the plant can be rooted in a mixture of peat and sand. It is best to cover the root with polyethylene at a temperature of 78.8-82.4 °F. Young root shoots that are easily rooted can be cut off from the mother plant. They can be cut with rootstock and rooted in a mixture of peat and sand at 77-82.4 °F under polyethylene. The rooting process usually lasts 3-5 weeks. Seed multiplication is possible in February-March at the same temperature (planted in sand or peat). Fresh seeds germinate in 2-3 weeks, and the older seeds will germinate after 1-1.5 months. Once the roots reach a length of 5 cm, the seedlings can be planted in 7-cm pots.
Why Pandanus won't bloom? Unless the plant is very old, it will not bloom indoors. The male flowers form a spikelet, while the female flowers form a kind of cone.
How much I must water Pandanus? When the plant is young it will need to be transferred every year. However, when it becomes an adult it will only need to be done every 2 to 3 years preferably during the months of March or April. This is because by then the roots would have filled the pot. For old plants, it won't be necessary to transfer them as often. When you do transfer them, you don't have to bury the plant too deep. In fact, it's better if the air roots are above the ground. By doing this, the pandanus will grow faster.
How to care the plant? If you want your Pandanus plant to look its best, you should regularly trim the dry, dead ends of the leaves. Be careful when doing this, as the leaves have sharp edges. You should also wipe the leaves down occasionally to remove dust. Do not cut the air roots of the plant.
What is the challenge when caring Pandanus plant? The main thing to remember is that it does not tolerate direct sunlight, as the leaves in this case begin to fade. It is better to choose a place for him on the east or west side of the house. If the leaves of the plant begin to fade and turn yellow, it means that it lacks nutrition, so you need to feed it with complex mineral fertilizers.
Are Pandanus poisonous? Sometimes, the Pandanus plant can be toxic. The leaves of the plant contain toxic substances that can cause illness in humans and animals if ingested. Symptoms of Pandanus toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. If you think you or your pet has ingested Pandanus, seek medical attention immediately.
