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Can anyone identify my mystery plant?

16 years ago

This houseplant is about 50 years old and is very slow growing. As it stands now, it is about 8 feet tall. I don't dare place it in a larger pot because it most likely will outgrow my house. It takes morning (east) light or indirect light. It currently is in a north facing room. It is tied to poles for support. If it is untied from the pole support, it falls limp like a rope. When new plants are started from babies attached all along the stem, they usually need staking at about 12-18 inches tall to keep them straight and provide support.

Most people automatically call this a corn plant because of the foliage drape; however, it is completely different from what we normally see as corn plants. The leaves are not striped, they are all finely serrated on the edges, it does not bloom, and it requires support as it grows tall. The closeup of the serrated leaves may not be visible in the picture as I resized it to fit into this message.

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Comments (3)

User
16 years ago
I would say it is a Pandanus (not sure of the species). The description of serrated leaves was the give away. I have the cream variegated Pandanus veitchia. They make great houseplants. I don't know WHY they are not more available. (Had to do a special order from a private collector in Texas for mine.) They used to be much more available. Some people have a problem with skin irritation from those serrated leaves. PS. I you wanted to, they are easy enough to propagate and reduce in size (just be sure to get stem pieces with a bit of root on it and insert into very sandy soil (keep just slightly moist and out of direct sun until rooted). Good luck!
brenda_md
Original Author
16 years ago
Njoasis,

Thanks for the quick response, you don't know how long I have been trying to find out its name. I looked up your variety and it definitely has the same characteristics as mine, except for variegated leaves. I am quite familiar with propagating it, but I wonder if it can be propated by air-layering it about half way up the stalk. Also, do you give your plant any special care as far as feedings, etc., and what light exposure does your plant get?

Regarding which species I have, wonder if I will ever find that out. Based on the information I found on Pandanus, there are 600 varieties or more.
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User
16 years ago
I don't think it's even necessary to air-layer. Do you notice any prop roots growing off the main trunk? If you do, the plant will eventually root as long as you get a piece of root with the cutting. I would wait until spring to do this. Reason being, it is much easier to maintain the humid conditions that a tropical cutting would require. Try to peel away at some of the old, dried leaf scare tissue on the main truck to look for those prop roots that Pandanus are famous for. Sorry I can't help more with the species. Keep in mind even variegated plants will revert to more green if not kept in sufficient sun. Mine goes out in the growing season and gets decent sun. If you decide to move yours out for the season, make sure you err on the side of heavy shade (they will burn until they acclimate to the outdoor sun). Good luck!

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