I did an experiment several years ago to see how effective a humidity tray might be. I'll share my results and anyone considering using one can decide whether or not it's likely to be useful. I had a small tree in a 6 x 9 pot and figured it needed more humidity. I bought a 9 x 15 humidity tray, added enough washed peastone to almost cover the bottom, then nestled 4 medicine bottle caps into the stone to position the plant on, thereby preventing a pathway through which the water in the tray could make way back into the grow medium. when I was done, there was a layer of peastone that fully covered the bottom of the pot, with enough water to cover 1/3 - 1/2 of the larger stones. I was sure to see the capillary pull of the stones was enough to ensure the stones were entirely wet, which increased the wet surface area from which water could evaporate by a factor of at least 2-3X. Once situated, I wedged a digital hygrometer in the branches. After taking readings for 2 days, the highest RH reading above ambient levels was only .4% (4/10 of 1%) greater. Since the level of RH in the room in the mid to upper 20s, the air was nowhere near the point where evaporation would be expected to be low due to air saturation, just the opposite. Also, some of that .4% increase in RH would have been due to normal transpirational water loss through foliage. Oh - we have hot water heat, not forced air, so air movement was limited to normal convective currents, which would tend to better hold any humidity gained from the tray nearer the plants. I decided that a .4% increase wasn't worth the effort and scrapped that idea. Now, if you had say 20 humidity trays, it might make some difference, but a humidifier is indeed the way to go. I make my own from a few fairly inexpensive parts and they work extremely well. A, tub for a reservoir, small static fan, and an ultrasonic fogger/ mist maker is all that's needed, though you can by devices that allow you to adjust the volume of water put into the air, fan speed, and the humidity levels/ parameters. Al

Had a remarkable experience today! I've always thought the variety amaryllifolius is reputed to be the only one pandanus with aromatic leaves (Thai desserts). But I no longer believe that! I was walking around the Bishop Hawaiian Museum today which had several groves of large and tall and decidedly non amaryllifolius-looking pandanus trees (which have been used since antiquity by the polynesians), and there was unmistakably the scent of pandan (similar to fresh baked bread which has the identical compound). Faint but there. Since there was neither a bakery nor any amaryllifolius in sight (I checked); the scent must be present in all? pandanus and the amaryllifolius domesticated variety (it doesn't flower anymore and propagates solely through cuttings) must have been deliberately selected over time for its concentrated scent and dwarf growth! Same as many domesticated crops. Truly mindblowing.

Hi all, its been a while since I posted on the pandan. The pandan plants I bought in this post died. I bought another two bare root about 6 months ago from Gardin's nuresery but those two died also after I planted them in pots. Not sure what I'm doing wrong but I'm not willing to invest in unpotted/bare root plants any longer. I'm researching who has this plant that they can ship potted. If anyone knows a source please let me know. As usual the potted plants are quite expensive, the best I could find was $35 for a one gallon not including any shipping charges. Another I found was $35 for a 2 gallon pot but $25 for shipping so $60 for a two gallon potted plant. If I were assured the plant would survive and grow once it arrived I might splurge and buy one but these plants in my hands seem to be fragile. If anyone can help with maybe a farmers market or Asian supermarket that has these for sale please let me know. I am in the Bay area SF area and willing to drive as far as San Jose to obtain a potted plant. Thanks Meixue

Mary Anne, I think they have differnt variety of Pandanus. I too had killed a few of Panduanus plants.(The plants use to flavor food) I brought the only one left in the house since the beginning of winter. It is true that Pandanus plant does not like wet soil. Try Cactus mix media and mix some pebbles in it. It needs good drainage. After you water the plant, always tilt the pot let the water drip out. Well, I place my plant in a humidity tend with a cup of water sitting by it. I Open the tend for half of the day to let the air flow. I also let the pot sit on top of a heating pad. I place a few layer of old newspaper on the heating pad to prevent over heat. Just place you hand on the pad and make sure it is warm. And also I put the pot under a grow light. I water it twice a week only and feed it with liquid fertilizer once a month.(I mean right now in the house) It has grown quite a few new leaves now. Himidity is a big factor for growing pandanus plant in my area. I think your plant may have root rot. Trim off the roten root and hopefully there are a few good roots left.