Pocket BotanistPlant guide
Screw pine.
Pandanus tectorius
Pronounced pan-DAY-nus tek-TOR-ee-us
The screw pine is a striking tropical plant known for its unique, spiral leaf arrangement and prop roots. It thrives in coastal areas and makes a bold statement in warm climates. You will love how its architectural form adds a touch of the islands to your space.
At a glance
- Care level
- Moderate
- Plant type
- Tropical evergreen tree
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Indoor light
- Bright indirect
- Water
- Every 5 to 10 days
- Mature size
- 20 feet
- Growth rate
- Medium
Care
Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy to mimic its native tropical environment. Watch for yellowing leaves, which often signal that the plant is getting too much water or lacks proper drainage. Ensure it has plenty of space to accommodate its wide, spreading habit as it grows.
- Watering
- Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
- Feeding
- Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.
- Pruning
- Trim away dead or damaged lower leaves to maintain a tidy appearance.
- Repotting
- Repot only when the plant becomes root bound or outgrows its container.
- Soil
- Well draining sandy or loamy soil
- Soil pH
- 6.0 to 7.5
Safety
- Pets
- This plant is generally considered non toxic to cats and dogs.
How to identify it
- Long, sword shaped leaves
- Leaves arranged in spirals
- Prominent aerial prop roots
- Large, pineapple like fruit clusters
Science
- Family
- Pandanaceae
- Genus
- Pandanus
- Order
- Pandanales
- Class
- Liliopsida
Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.
Is your screw pine looking unwell?
This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.
This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.