Screw Pine
pandanus dubius
Also known as: ["Screw Pine","Pandanus"]
Overview
A tropical plant with distinctive prop roots and spiral leaf arrangement, native to Southeast Asia.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Pandanales |
| Family: | Pandanaceae |
| Genus: | Pandanus |
| Botanical Name: | Pandanus dubius |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in bright, humid room or sheltered outdoor spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"10–12"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, slightly acidic mix with organic matter and sand.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 6–12 months or when dead leaves accumulate.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid removing more than 20% of foliage at once.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct light, protect from intense midday sun, place in a spot with filtered light if outdoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
bright indirect light to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter strong light; avoid south-facing windows in summer.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid letting the plant sit in water.
Soil
well-draining, sandy loam with organic matter
pH: 5.5–6.5 (slightly acidic).
Use a cactus mix as a base; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers 65–85°F (18–29°C); tolerates a range but thrives in warm, stable conditions.
Avoid drafts, maintain stable temperatures, protect from sudden drops.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during growing season
Flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; apply fertilizer to moist soil to avoid root burn.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or offsets (pups); pups are the most reliable method.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select a healthy offset or cutting, prepare the medium, apply rooting hormone if using, plant, maintain humidity, wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (75–85°F), high humidity (70–80%), indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of sand, perlite, and peat moss.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Offsets may root in 2–4 weeks; cuttings take 4–8 weeks to root and several months to establish.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife, rooting hormone, pots, well-draining medium, humidity dome.
Quick Tips
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut leaves at the base or just above a node; remove offsets if overcrowding occurs.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or damaged leaves to maintain appearance and health; shape as needed.
Tools
Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, gloves.
Checklist
Sanitize tools, cut dead/damaged leaves, avoid over-pruning, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, place in a new pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and health.
Checklist
Prepare new pot, trim roots, add fresh soil, water lightly, place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water thoroughly, ensure drainage, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensure water penetrates deeply to reach the root ball, allow excess water to drain completely, water in the morning to reduce evaporation and fungal risk.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage, incorporate compost for fertility, ensure aeration with coarse materials.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf discoloration (yellowing or browning), stunted growth, bud drop, or wilting.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf drop, may lead to root rot due to reduced evaporation.
Solution: Move to a warmer location, insulate pots, avoid overwatering, use a space heater if necessary.
Hot Stress
Leaf scorch, wilting, dehydration, and potential pest infestations due to stress.
Solution: Provide shade, increase humidity, water more frequently, use a fan for air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season, dilute fertilizer, water before application, avoid contact with leaves.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); avoid fertilizing in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may suffer mild gastrointestinal irritation if they ingest the fruits of Pandanus dubius. The plant's fibrous components can lead to digestive discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicDogs may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume the fruits of Pandanus dubius. The fibrous content can cause irritation in the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicThe fruits of Pandanus dubius can cause mild gastrointestinal distress due to their fibrous nature and potential irritants. The physiological impact is generally limited to digestive discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Pandanus dubius toxic to pets?
A: Reliable information on toxicity to pets is not available.
Q: How often should I water Pandanus dubius?
A: Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Q: Does Pandanus dubius require full sun?
A: It thrives in partial shade to full sun, depending on climate conditions.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Pandanaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | bright indirect light to parti |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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