Pandan (also known as pandan wangi) is a must-have in any Malaysian kitchen. Whether you’re making nasi lemak, kuih, or boiling it for a relaxing tea, nothing beats the aroma of fresh pandan leaves. But what if you don’t have a big garden? Good news — pandan thrives in pots, small corners, and even flats. This guide will show you how to grow your own pandan plant at home, step by step.
🌱 Why Grow Pandan at Home?
- Save money on buying leaves every week
- Always have fresh, pesticide-free pandan
- Makes your home smell great
- Easy to care for and low maintenance
🪴 What You Need to Get Started
1. Pandan Plant Starter
You can buy pandan cuttings or rooted stalks from:
- Nurseries
- Shopee/Lazada
- Local pasar tani (morning markets)
2. A Medium-to-Large Pot
- Minimum 20cm diameter
- Must have drainage holes
3. Good Potting Soil
Use loamy soil mixed with compost. Avoid heavy clay.
4. Sunlight
Pandan loves partial sunlight — 4 to 6 hours a day is perfect.
5. Watering Can & Fertiliser
Basic tools for watering and feeding.
📦 Step-by-Step: Growing Pandan in a Pot
Step 1: Choose the Right Pot
Use a plastic or clay pot that drains well. Pandan roots don’t like sitting in water, so good drainage is key.
Step 2: Fill with Rich Soil
Use potting mix + compost or add organic matter like coconut husk or old leaves.
Step 3: Plant the Pandan Cutting
- If it’s a cutting, dip the bottom in rooting powder (optional).
- Plant it 2–3 inches deep.
- Press soil gently around it to keep it upright.
Step 4: Water Generously
Water the plant thoroughly after planting. After that:
- Daily watering during dry/hot periods.
- Every 2–3 days if soil is moist or rainy season.
Step 5: Place It in the Right Spot
Keep your pot:
- Near a window or balcony with indirect sun
- Away from heavy wind or rain
🌿 Ongoing Care & Maintenance
Fertilising
- Use organic fertiliser (e.g. chicken manure pellets or compost) once a month.
- Or, use a general-purpose liquid fertiliser every 2 weeks.
Pruning
Trim off dead leaves to encourage new growth. You can also pinch the tips to make it bushier.
Repotting
Every 6–8 months, you may need to move it to a larger pot or divide the plant if it becomes too bushy.
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💡 Bonus Tips
- Add a coconut husk layer on top of soil to retain moisture.
- Mix in crushed eggshells for added calcium.
- Use rainwater for watering if possible.
📸 When Can You Start Harvesting?
You can start harvesting pandan leaves after 3–4 months of growth.
Cut only the outer mature leaves and leave the young shoots in the center to grow.
Use scissors and cut as close to the base as possible.
🏠 Perfect for Urban Living
Whether you live in an apartment, condo, or terrace house, pandan is one of the easiest and most rewarding herbs to grow in Malaysia. It’s resilient, forgiving, and full of flavour.
🔁 Summary Checklist
✅ Partial sunlight (4–6 hrs)
✅ Moist, well-drained soil
✅ Pot size 20cm or more
✅ Monthly fertiliser
✅ Harvest after 3 months
Ready to try your first pandan plant? Show us your mini garden by tagging @ProjectHarvestMY on Instagram! 🌿