Pandanus

The genus Pandanus (Pandanus) includes approximately 600 shrubby evergreen species, of which only a few are grown. Large tree-like plants with a height of more than 10 m, leaves long, over 1 m, xiphoid (in the form of a sword), linear, often with a prickly edge. On the shortened trunk, the leaves are arranged in a spiral, so the pandanus is also called a spiral palm. The flowers are on the cob, the fruit is similar in appearance to a pineapple. Pandanus baptistii (Pandanus baptistii) - a species with long stiff leaves without spines of a bluish-green color with longitudinal bright yellow stripes; the edges of the leaves are whole. Pandanus utilis is a branching tree, which in nature reaches 20 m in height. It has dark green leaves with red spines. Pandanus pygmaeus (P. pygmaeus) and pandanus caricosus (P. caricosus) are small plants, their height is not more than 60 cm, and the leaves are 30-40 cm long, prickly at the edges. The larger pandanus Sander (P. sanderi) is a stemless species with a rosette of long leaves with a slightly prickly edge and golden-yellow longitudinal stripes. Pandanus veitchii (P. veitchii) is a species with long dark green leaves with a silver edge growing on a lignified trunk. Aerial roots develop from the trunk of adult plants. One of the varieties, "Compact", is characterized by a less sprawling appearance.

The genus Pandanus (Pandanus) includes approximately 600 shrubby evergreen species, of which only a few are grown. Large tree-like plants with a height of more than 10 m, leaves long, over 1 m, xiphoid (in the form of a sword), linear, often with a prickly edge. On the shortened trunk, the leaves are arranged in a spiral, so the pandanus is also called a spiral palm. The flowers are on the cob, the fruit is similar in appearance to a pineapple.

Pandanus baptistii (Pandanus baptistii) - a species with long stiff leaves without spines of a bluish-green color with longitudinal bright yellow stripes; the edges of the leaves are whole.

Pandanus utilis is a branching tree, which in nature reaches 20 m in height. It has dark green leaves with red spines.

Pandanus pygmaeus (P. pygmaeus) and pandanus caricosus (P. caricosus) are small plants, their height is not more than 60 cm, and the leaves are 30-40 cm long, prickly at the edges.

The larger pandanus Sander (P. sanderi) is a stemless species with a rosette of long leaves with a slightly prickly edge and golden-yellow longitudinal stripes.

Pandanus veitchii (P. veitchii) is a species with long dark green leaves with a silver edge growing on a lignified trunk. Aerial roots develop from the trunk of adult plants. One of the varieties, "Compact", is characterized by a less sprawling appearance.

Cultivation

Pandanuses are grown as indoor plants, but in warm climates they can also be cultivated outdoors. Pandanus does not like drafts, is very resistant to dry air, and prefers a sunny location. Use a clay substrate, half consisting of fertile land, half of peat, pH about 6.0. From spring to autumn, they are fed every week with a complex fertilizer with a reduced nitrogen content; in winter, they are watered with flower fertilizer every 2 months. Spray the plants very carefully, so that water does not get into the axils of the leaves.

Location

Pandanus requires a lot of light and, with the exception of summer time, it can be placed even in the sun.

Temperature

In winter, the minimum temperature should not be lower than 16-18 °C, in summer they tolerate high temperatures well, as long as there is air ventilation - they grow best at room temperature.

Watering

In winter, it is enough to keep the soil in a slightly moist state. In spring and summer, the frequency of irrigation increases-water is plentiful, but between two watering, the soil should almost completely dry out. Very resistant to dry air. Avoid waterlogging the ground.

Transplant

Transplanting young plants into a new pot is usually carried out annually in the spring, using slightly larger containers. Old specimens are usually transplanted once every 2-3 years or when the roots do not have enough space in the pot. Use the same soil as for cultivation.

Care

Remove dry leaves. To avoid getting hurt on the prickly edge, make a longitudinal incision from the top of the leaf, and then pull the halves in different directions.

Reproduction

Propagate by seeds and stem layers. On plants, stem offspring are constantly formed, which (if possible, with aerial roots) are separated and rooted at a soil temperature of at least 20 °. Seeds are sown immediately after harvesting at a soil temperature of at least 20 °C.

Diseases

Plants can be affected by worms, which are disposed of with a brush or cotton swab soaked in alcohol, and then the affected parts are treated with anti-coccidal drugs. A spider mite causes merging specks to appear on the leaves. In this case, the plant is treated with acaricides, and around maintain high humidity.

Acquisition

Pandanuses are not the most common houseplants. Contact specialized gardening centers. Due to their rather slow growth, it is recommended to buy already grown copies.