The Screw Pine (also known as *Pandanus*) is a total favorite for indoor gardeners. It’s an evergreen beauty that’s famously low-maintenance, making it the perfect “set it and forget it” plant for a home office. If you’re a fan of tropical vibes, you’ll be happy to know that propagating your own Screw Pine is actually pretty simple.
Growing a New Screw Pine
The Screw Pine is one of those cool plants that produces “pups” or offshoots. These are little baby shoots that grow off the main plant and can easily be turned into brand-new plants. If you want to expand your collection, using these pups is the way to go. Here’s how to do it:
- Springtime is the best time to snip off a few of those pups.
- Make sure you use a clean, sharp knife for the job.
- Cut the offshoot as close to the main trunk as possible.
- Let the cut ends air-dry for a few hours to callous over.
- Mix up some potting soil using peat and sand. You’re aiming for a slightly acidic mix.
- Plant your offshoots into the soil.
- Place the pot in a mini-greenhouse or cover it with plastic wrap to keep the humidity up. Just make sure the plastic isn’t actually touching the plant.
- Put your new baby plant in a bright, warm spot.
- Keep the soil consistently moist, but be careful—never let it get waterlogged.
Caring for the Young Offshoot
After about two months, your offshoot should have a solid root system and be ready to get used to its permanent home in your living room or sunroom. Start by taking it out of its “greenhouse” for a few hours every day. It’ll be happiest at temperatures between 68°F and 72°F (20-22°C). In the beginning, water moderately and let the soil dry out just a tiny bit between waterings. These little guys fit perfectly on a windowsill for now. Later on, once the plant reaches its full, impressive size, it’ll need a large floor pot in a bright corner or a spot in the conservatory.
Screw Pine Maintenance 101
Caring for a young Screw Pine is pretty much the same as caring for a mature one. It loves a bright spot with plenty of light, though you should protect it from harsh, direct midday sun. Regular watering is key, but always watch out for standing water—root rot is the enemy here! During the summer, give it a boost with some palm fertilizer. The Screw Pine doesn’t really go into a deep winter dormancy, so just scale back the watering slightly during the colder months, and you’re good to go.