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Pandan

Pandanus amaryllifolius

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Pandan · Pandanus amaryllifolius

Long leaves with a sticky-rice aroma for desserts, sticky rice and cakes.

Care and placement

Likes bright filtered light (24–32 °C), loose humus-rich evenly moist soil and 50–70% humidity; pick outer leaves after 4–6 months; propagated only by suckers or cuttings.

Draft mature dimensions

Maximum height (cm): 100 cm · Maximum spread (cm): 80 cm

Things to consider

Pandan leaves are used as a cooking aroma; use only washed leaves from unsprayed plants of the correct species P. amaryllifolius (many Pandanus species are not fragrant). Small serrations on the leaves can scratch.

Unknown evidence does not mean safe. Decorative plants are not automatically edible.

Information is compiled from multiple reputable sources for reference. If you spot an error, please contact us so we can check and update it.

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How to grow and care for it

  1. Planting and pot

    Plant in a well-draining pot with a loose, humus-rich mix (coir plus perlite works); repot every 1–2 years or when it outgrows the pot. Keep the crown above soil when planting suckers.

  2. Light

    Bright filtered light, tolerating gentle morning sun (NParks: full sun to semi-shade). Harsh afternoon sun burns leaves; deep shade weakens it and fades fragrance.

  3. Watering

    Keep soil evenly moist, not soggy; water thoroughly when the top 2–3 cm is dry; less when cool. Brown tips usually mean underwatering or fertilizer burn; yellow leaves with mushy stems mean overwatering and root rot.

  4. Feeding

    A light feeder: balanced fertilizer (about 10-10-10) at half strength roughly monthly (every 3–6 weeks) in spring and summer, less or none in autumn and winter; slow-release every 2–3 months also works.

  5. Pruning

    Keep picking outer leaves at the base so it stays a shrub with the centre growing on; remove dry or yellow leaves.

  6. Propagation

    It is sterile and spreads only by suckers or cuttings: wait until a sucker has a few aerial roots and leaves, cut or twist it off at the base, trim lower leaves and pot in moist mix with the crown above soil; roots in 14–30 days, kept warm, humid and lightly shaded.

  7. Pests and common problems

    Pests are uncommon: aphids, mealybugs, spider mites; NParks notes the Pandanus mealybug. Wipe leaves with a soapy cloth or use neem oil. Lack of fragrance usually means too much shade.

  8. For a bigger harvest

    For long, fragrant leaves: bright filtered light, even moisture, warmth of 24–32 °C, light regular feeding and continual picking of outer leaves. Leaves are ready after 4–6 months when mature, dark green and strongly aromatic.