Pandan
Pandan
Bio-Region: Sukabumi, West Java
Collection date: January 2026
By Nidiya Kusmaya
The pandan plant (Pandanus amaryllifolius) is a popular tropical plant in Indonesia. It is well known for its long, green leaves and sweet, fragrant smell.
Pandan plants grow well in warm, humid climates, which makes Indonesia a perfect place for them. They are usually grown in home gardens because they are easy to care for and useful in everyday cooking.
Pandan is an important plant in Indonesian culture because it is simple, natural, and widely used in food.
In Indonesia, pandan is often used in cooking. The leaves are added to foods like rice, cakes, and desserts to give a natural aroma and flavor. Many traditional dishes, such as nasi uduk and various sweets, use pandan to make them smell and taste better.
When is the best time to harvest Pandan in Indonesia
The pandan plant (Pandanus amaryllifolius) can be harvested throughout the year in Indonesia, but there are better times to get the best quality leaves.
Since Indonesia has a tropical climate:
Pandan grows year-round
Best results are usually during the rainy season or well-watered periods
Leaves are more lush and greener
Better for natural dye extraction (more chlorophyll)
Early morning (around 6–9 AM)
This is the best time of day because:
Leaves are still fresh and moist
Aroma is stronger
Essential oils (which give fragrance and colour) are at higher levels
Ideal harvest age: 6–12 months after planting
Leaves should be:
Fully grown
Dark green
Not too old (older leaves lose aroma and color quality)
Cut the outer mature leaves first
Leave young inner leaves to keep the plant growing
Harvest every 1–2 weeks for continuous production