Pandan Pandanus amaryllifolius
Pandan (Pandanus amaryllifolius) is an evergreen perennial herb in the Pandanaceae family, native to Maluku, Indonesia (known only in cultivation). It grows 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) tall and 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and high water, and is hardy to about 5 °C (41 °F). Space plants about 1 m (3.3 ft) apart.
Plan Pandan in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Pandan at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Pandanaceae |
| Mature height | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Spacing | 1 m (3.3 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance moderate |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 5 °C (41 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 11) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Yes: leaves (as flavouring, not eaten whole) |
| Native to | Maluku, Indonesia (known only in cultivation) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇲🇾 Malaysia |
Is Pandan toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Related screw pines are listed as non-toxic by ASPCA; pandan leaf is a common food flavouring.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Pandan
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and high water.
See Pandan in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Gardens by the Bay (4 plants)
- Kew: glasshouses and rock garden (1 plants)
- Thai tropical garden (6 plants)
Questions about Pandan
- How far apart should I plant Pandan?
- About 1 m (3.3 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft).
- Does Pandan need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Pandan need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance moderate.
- How cold-hardy is Pandan?
- It tolerates about 5 °C (41 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 11.
- Is Pandan poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Related screw pines are listed as non-toxic by ASPCA; pandan leaf is a common food flavouring.
- What grows well with Pandan?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Pandan. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- Flora & Fauna Web, National Parks Board, Singapore
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- Spreads by suckers; it does not flower or set fruit in cultivation, so it is propagated from offshoots. Not frost-hardy.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Common screw pine Pandanus utilis
- Basil Ocimum basilicum
- Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus
- Thyme Thymus vulgaris
- Mint Mentha spicata
- Parsley Petroselinum crispum
- Coriander (cilantro) Coriandrum sativum
- Dill Anethum graveolens