Screw Pine (Pandanus veitchii) is a bold, architectural foliage plant grown for its long, sword-shaped leaves that spiral around the stem, giving it its common name. Its leaves are striped green and creamy-white with finely toothed margins, creating a dramatic fountain of variegated foliage. Mature plants develop characteristic stilt-like aerial roots at the base. Tough and tolerant of heat and humidity, it makes a striking accent for spacious interiors, lobbies and tropical gardens. While related to the fragrant Kewra of perfumery, this ornamental form is prized chiefly for its striking, variegated, spiralling foliage.
Specifications
| Family |
Pandanaceae |
| Native region |
Pacific Islands, tropical Asia |
| Mature height |
1-2 m in pots |
| Mature spread |
1-1.5 m |
| Growth rate |
Slow to moderate |
| Foliage |
Evergreen, green with cream stripes, spiny edges |
| Flower colour |
ā |
| Flower season |
ā |
| Climate zone |
Tropical |
Care guide
| Sunlight |
Bright indirect to filtered direct light |
| Watering |
Water when top soil dries; reduce in cool months |
| Soil / mix |
Well-draining sandy potting mix |
| Temperature |
18-32 C; protect from cold |
| Humidity |
High; loves humid conditions |
| Fertilizer |
Balanced feed monthly in growing season |
| Pruning |
Remove old lower leaves; mind spiny margins |
| Repotting |
Every 2-3 years; sturdy heavy pot recommended |
| Propagation |
Offsets and suckers from the base |
| Pests & problems |
Mealybugs and scale occasionally |
| Toxicity / safety |
Non-toxic; leaf edges are sharp |
| Difficulty |
Easy |
Uses
A dramatic accent for large rooms, lobbies and tropical gardens; the spiralling variegated foliage adds bold structure to plantings.
Growing tips
In India it loves heat and humidity, so it thrives outdoors in shaded spots through summer; handle carefully as the saw-toothed leaf edges can cut skin.