Free Pandanus Veitchii Plants

The Pandanus is a bold foliage plant with long, sword-like leaves that are initially erect, but may arch and even bend sharply and break when they become longer. As the plant grows it will start to produce a new stem or ‘sucker’ at the base of the rosette of leaves. Aerial roots are also produced and these become more visible as the plant matures. The tough, leathery leaves are highly glossy on the upper surface. However, they are also quite sharp and contact with the edges can cause a savage cut. The Pandanus should therefore be positioned well out ofthe way or grown among other plants, which can act as a buffer or barrier. Ifspacq, is limited, try to obtain the smaller variety, P. v. ‘Compacta’.

Plant type : Foliage plant with erect habit
Season of interest : All year round
Size : 60-90cm (12—36in)
Flower : None
Leaf : Sword-like, with sharp serrated edge, 60-90cm (12—36in) long, 5-7.5cm (2-3in) wide, green and white striped
Temperature : 15-21°C (59—71°F)
Aspect/Light : Well-lit situation with some exposure to sunlight
Humidity : Moderate to high
Watering : Evenly moisten compost in spring and summer; keep on drier side in autumn and winter, providing just enough water to stop plant drying out
Feeding : Once every two to three weeks with houseplant fertilizer in spring and summer
Propagation : Remove offsets at base of plant in early spring and pot them in seed and cutting compost at 20-21°C (68—70°F)
Potting : Houseplant potting compost
Problems : Mealy bug, red spider mite
Availability : Commonly available throughout year
Uses indoors : Table-top feature plant in bright situation, but take great care to avoid sharp, saw-like leaf edges
Other varieties : P.v. -‘Compacta’ -smaller, more compact variety