Species screw pine
yellow-green, Spiky, elongated leaves with shiny, brown, Stout, branching trunk

screw pine

Pandanus tectorius

Screw pine (Pandanus tectorius) is an evergreen plant with a distinctively spikey shape. It has large paddle-like leaves that grow in a spiral pattern around a thick, fibrous stem. Native to the Pacific islands, screw pine is salt-tolerant and can thrive in both dry and wet soil. Its flowers feature brightly-colored bracts and are usually pollinated by birds. Screw pine is widely cultivated and is an important source of building material, food, and medicine. It is also used as an ornamental tree due to its interesting shape and bright foliage.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Air Layering Propagation,Cutting,Division,Grafting Propagation,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

10 - 12

Flowers:

White bracts (male)Greenish (female) Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Fruits:

green,yellow,orange,brown Fruits Ready In Summer

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Screw pine (Pandanus tectorius) should be watered when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. Overwatering can be dangerous for this species, so it’s important to only water when necessary. The amount of water that a screw pine requires will vary depending on the size and location of the plant. Generally, start with 1-2 quarts of water, slowly adding more if needed until the soil is thoroughly damp but not soggy. It is best to water the soil around the base of the plant so as not to wet its leaves. Adjust your watering schedule as needed until you find an appropriate balance for your particular plant.

sunlight

Screw pine plants need plenty of direct sunlight to grow; however, they prefer moderate to bright, indirect sunlight. When grown outdoors, they should be placed in a spot that receives full day sun exposure for at least 6-8 hours per day. If growing the plant indoors in a pot, place it near a south- or west-facing window, preferably 1 that offers diffused sunlight. Avoid direct exposure to midday sun, as this can scorch their fronds, and keep them away from heat sources.

pruning

Screw pines (Pandanus tectorius) are tolerant of pruning.Prune the plant during the summer months when it is actively growing but do so sparingly. This species grows best when pruning is minimal. Trim away any dead, damaged, or weak branches or stems using sharp pruning shears. Do not cut back any healthy new growth unless for a specific purpose, such as for shaping or training the plant.In general, pruning should be limited to removing dead or damaged branches and stems. It is best to avoid excessive pruning or pruning at the wrong time of year as this can weaken the plant and set back its growth.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

The screw pine typically starts flowering in the months of April and May.

Harvest Fruit

The harvesting season for Pandanus tectorius typically begins in June and ends in August.

Hardiness Map