Pandan

Pandan (Pandanus amaryllifolius), also called screwpine or edible pandanus, is a fast-growing tropical plant with a fountain-like clump of long, pleated, strappy leaves. Left to grow it becomes a palm-like small tree up to 4m tall and 2m wide. Harvest the leaves regularly and it stays a compact clump, with a vanilla fragrance and flavour for the kitchen.

Why you'll love it

• Leaves you can cook with. The leaves have a vanilla fragrance and flavour and give food a soft green colour.
• Dramatic tropical foliage. A fountain of long, pleated, strappy leaves makes a bold shape in a tropical border.
• You choose the size. Harvest regularly for a short clump, or leave it to develop a short trunk and a small-tree form.
• Fast growing. In warm, moist conditions it grows quickly.
• Low maintenance. It asks for regular water and protection from frost, and little else.

Where it works best

Tropical borders and feature planting. Allow 2m between plants so each fountain of leaves can develop fully.

Poolside and courtyards. The bold, upright shape suits poolside and courtyard planting where a tropical look is wanted.

The kitchen garden. Plant it where you can pick leaves easily. Harvest from mature plants, lower down, for the best taste and aroma.

Growing Pandan in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to partial shade. It is a tropical plant that needs protection from frost, so it suits tropical and subtropical gardens. In cooler districts, grow it in a pot that moves under cover for winter.

Soil. Moist, fertile soil. Mulch and water well until it is established, usually around 12 weeks.

Water and feed. Water regularly. It prefers consistently moist soil and responds to a spring feed. Watch for mealybug and treat it accordingly.

Pruning. Little formal pruning is needed, because harvesting does the job. Pick leaves from mature plants, taking the lower ones first. Regular harvesting keeps it in a clump, while unharvested plants develop a short trunk.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Pandan as tube stock, in 140mm pots in packs of 10 and in 200mm pots in packs of 6. Tube stock is a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly in warm, moist soil. The potted packs give you leaves to harvest sooner. Plants travel upright and settle within a few weeks of warm weather.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Edible plants and bush tucker
• More tropical plants
• Plants for poolside gardens
• Pandanus varieties compared: spined, spineless and size

Common questions

Can I cook with the leaves?

Yes. Pandan is grown for its edible, vanilla-scented leaves, which add flavour and a soft green colour to food. Harvest from mature plants, taking the lower leaves for the best taste and aroma.

How big will it get?

Up to 4m tall and 2m wide if left unharvested. Regular harvesting keeps it as a shorter, fountain-like clump.

Can I grow it in a cold climate?

Not in the ground if frost visits. Protect it from frost, and in cooler districts grow it in a pot that you can move under cover.