Pandanus dubius — an easy houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Pandanus dubius

Pandanus Dubius

Updated · 91 observations
ON THIS PLANT

Pandanus dubius, commonly known as the screw pine, is a tropical plant species that belongs to the Pandanaceae family. It is native to Southeast Asia, thriving in countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The plant has a distinctive appearance, characterized by long, spiky leaves that grow in a spiral pattern around its stem. These green leaves can reach lengths of up to 2 meters.

The screw pine holds significant cultural importance in many Southeast Asian communities due to its numerous uses. Its leaves are commonly woven into mats, baskets, and other handicrafts, while its fruit serves both culinary and medicinal purposes. The fruit of Pandanus dubius resembles a pineapple but turns orange when ripe.

This plant thrives in tropical climates with high humidity and well-drained soil. While it prefers full sun exposure, it can also tolerate partial shade.

Beyond its cultural value, Pandanus dubius possesses medicinal properties recognized by traditional healers for centuries. The roots contain compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, making them effective in treating ailments such as arthritis and rheumatism.

In summary, Pandanus dubius is a significant plant species renowned for its cultural, ecological, and medicinal value. Its diverse applications and benefits make it a valuable resource for the socio-economic well-being of Southeast Asian communities where it flourishes.

A note from PlantMom

Bakong demonstrates strong resistance to disease and is usually not susceptible to illnesses. With respect to upkeep, this plant is fairly low-maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs only light watering, and larger specimens typically do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be pruned after they finish blooming. Bakongt is appropriate for anyone with an outdoor area, like a garden or deck, and does not demand extensive care experience.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Pandanus Dubius.

Light

Bakong is native to open habitats, such as sunny meadows and forest margins, which offer abundant light. It performs best in Full Sun but can also tolerate Partial Sun, adjusting well to different sunlight conditions.

Temperature

Bakong comes from tropical regions, where the climate is generally warm and humid. Consequently, it is well suited to high temperatures and humidity. It does not tolerate sudden temperature swings and prefers a stable thermal environment, so avoiding indoor temperature fluctuations is important. It typically cannot withstand cold and requires warmer conditions to grow. If the surrounding temperature falls too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.

Fertilizer

Fertilizing is essential for Bakong care. Regular feeding during the growing season maintains the energy required for its showy leaves and supports overall growth. If fertilization is neglected, leaves can become unhealthy, the plant’s ornamental value may decline, and growth can be stunted or weak and prone to breaking.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Tree, Palm
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Pandanus
Family
Pandanaceae
Hardiness Zone
10-11
Mature Height
10.06 m to 14.94 m
Mature Spread
4.88 m to 7.92 m
Leaf Color
Dark Green
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Bloom Time
Summer
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Fall
Native Area
Solomon Islands, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vanuatu, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Fiji
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Bakong en Pandanus en Knob-fruited Screwpine
PLATES
Pandanus dubius leaf
PLATE 01 · leaf
Pandanus dubius leaf
PLATE 02 · leaf
Pandanus dubius bark
PLATE 03 · bark
Pandanus dubius habit
PLATE 04 · habit
Pandanus dubius habit
PLATE 05 · habit
ALSO IN THE LIBRARY

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