Since the Pandan amaryllifolius is native to the tropical climate, this would mean that it would survive best in conditions which are hot, dry and humid. Pandanus thrive in an acidic environment, which means that the soil has to be easily drained and not one which retains too much water. With that being said, the pandan plant is not picky about the quality of the soil, as it grows in quite harsh dry and sandy soil in Asia. A mix of peat moss and organic soil would be more than sufficient to prevent the roots of the plant from dying of root-rot. Here we have provided some detailed information about how to care for your pandan plants throughout the year climates similar to Perth, Western Australia
Here are the top 5 tips to remember when caring for your pandan plant:
- Humidity, humidity, humidity
- Do not over-water this plant
- Water the leaves but keep the crown of the plant dry
- Keep out of direct sunlight (sun here in WA is too strong)
- Feed it with nutrients every few weeks
JANUARY – MARCH
Environment:
While the pandan plant grows throughout the year (slower/dormant in the colder months), we have seen the most growth of the plant during these months, especially when it is given a warm and humid environment. Humidity, humidity, humidity. We also see that the baby pup grow the quickest during these months as well. However, it is important to note that when providing it a humid environment, you have to be careful to allow the plants to have free ventilation as well to prevent any diseases or mould that the humid environment brings.
Watering:
Best to water 2-3 times a week (deep watering) especially when the temperature is well above 30 degrees. You can also water the leaves to keep the plants cool during the harsh summer as well. It is fine if the crown gets wet during these months (but please also use common sense not to drown the crown of the plant) as the water usually dries up quite quickly in the dry summer months.
Propagating:
If you have baby pup growing out from the soil, it would be best to remove and propagate this plant when it is of a decent size (at least more than 10-15 cm in diameter) to ensure a higher rate of success. Of course, you can propagate them when they are smaller but it all depends on whether they have developed their own aerial roots. If they are still stuck to the main plant with no aerial roots, it is best to leave them on the plant until 2-3 aerial roots have grown.
APRIL – MAY
Environment:
During these months of April – June, is when the weather transitions. While early April would see a slightly cooler weather, do take not that it also does get a little windy as well. I have found that the number one rule is Humidity, humidity, humidity. While the pandan plants do enjoy being outdoors during these months, it would be good also to ensure that on the cooler and windy nights that you keep your plant well protected as well. You may still provide the plants with nutrients such as nitrogen based products to boost the leaf rate of growth.
Watering:
Best to water 2 times a week (deep watering) and be careful not to over water it during these months as well. As the weather fluctuates a little more during the course of the whole day, be careful that while it might be hot during the day, it can also get slightly cold on some nights. This means I would be more careful in not wetting the crown when watering and just concentrate on watering the soil instead.
Propagating:
While you still may be able to propagate some of the bigger pups during these months, you will require more care. Ultimately, if it starts getting a little colder with temperatures reaching 15 degrees or so, I would personally discourage it.
JUNE – SEPTEMBER
Environment:
This is the challenging one. If you can keep your plant alive during these months, you would probably keep it alive for years to come. However, this is when you need to show the most care to the plant. While some may say that these plants would stop growing or go dormant in these months, I would have to disagree as my own plants have grown much during these months as well, given the right conditions. I would usually keep these plants out during the day, and indoors at night. However, if it is outside during the day, you would still want this to be kept in a shady area where it’s not too windy or where it would rain and water get trapped in the crown of the plant.
If you were to go away on a holiday during these months, it would be best to not leave these plants outside as the frost could kill them.
Watering:
I usually water them 1-2 times a week. With that being said, I have also watered them lightly on a daily basis and they have survived winter on the patio.
Propagating:
I would advise against propogating during these months unless absolutely necessary (i.e. the branch sucker becomes too big that it might tear off from the main plant)
OCTOBER – DECEMBER
Similar to April – May. During these months, it would be best to feed it with ample nutrients so that your plants will grow healthy and strong.
All about Pandan Plants 