Pineapple: planting, growing and propagation

Botany

The pineapple (Ananas comosus) is said to have been discovered by Christopher Columbus upon his arrival on the island of Guadeloupe in 1493. Consumed by the indigenous peoples of Central America, the pineapple took some time to cross the ocean, only reaching European tables at the beginning of the 16th century, particularly at the Spanish court. However, consumption of this New World fruit remained very limited, reserved for royal elites. Moreover, it was difficult and fragile to export. In the 17th century, cultivation attempts were made in the greenhouses of royal courts, with little success given the demanding growing conditions and lengthy cultivation time. Ultimately, the pineapple became an exceptionally rare fruit, a symbol of success and wealth. A fruit that was shown off more than eaten! Later, it was successfully cultivated in greenhouses, though with great effort. Louis XIV is even said to have tasted it! But by the end of the 19th century, the importation of whole plants replaced greenhouse cultivation.

Today, pineapples are produced in South America, Africa, and French overseas departments and regions. And it is the second most consumed tropical fruit after bananas. Completely tender, the pineapple can only be grown indoors in our latitudes, or in a heated greenhouse with high humidity, or in a winter garden, to recreate the climatic conditions of the tropics. And even then, its fruit never equals imported pineapples.

The Ananas comosus type and the variegated variety ‘Variegatus’

Etymologically, the term “ananas” comes from “nanas,” meaning “delicious fruit” in a South American indigenous dialect. In English, the pineapple is called “pineapple,” a term that refers to its resemblance to a pine cone.

Previously named Ananas sativus, the pineapple now has the Latin name Ananas comosus. A member of the Bromeliaceae family, it is a close relative of the Aechmea, Guzmania, Neoregelia, Vriesea, Cryptanthus and Tillandsia, other plants of tropical and subtropical origin, widely cultivated as houseplants. All bring a purely exotic atmosphere to your homes. Originally, most Bromeliads are epiphytic plants. But not the pineapple, which is a terrestrial plant. All are grown as houseplants for their unique colourful inflorescence. This inflorescence takes years to bloom and marks the death of the plant, which occurs about 6 months later. But the offsets that appear at the base replace the mother plant and ensure its continuation.

Ananas comosus consists of a rosette of lanceolate, grey-green leaves that emerge directly from the roots. These stiff, thick, fleshy leaves curve outward and are edged with thorns. They are rather long, quite narrow, and end in a sharp point. They are arranged in a spiral. In their natural environment, these leaves can reach 1 m in length. Decorative cultivars offer variety. They differ from the type species by their colourful foliage. Thus, Ananas comosus ‘Variegatus’ has variegated foliage with root hairs. Its sword-shaped, leathery, ribbon-like leaves are green, margined with white and edged with pink thorns. As for the cultivar ‘Porteanus’, it is distinguished by a yellow stripe running through the centre of its leaves.

In summer, after 4 to 5 years of cultivation, the pineapple produces small ovoid flowers, bluish-pink, surrounded by orange-red bracts, and grouped into a compact inflorescence. This unique inflorescence emerges from the centre of the rosette, perched on a tall flower stem 50 cm long. Under favourable weather and growing conditions, each flower produces a fruit consisting of a scaly bark that forms a pineapple. In a greenhouse or winter garden, warm and humid, it is quite possible for the pineapple plant to produce a small fruit, but in our homes, it is completely unlikely.

Obviously, due to its origins, the pineapple plant is tender. It cannot withstand winter temperatures below 16 to 18 °C. It is very easy to grow in pots. Commercially, the pineapple is most often purchased topped with a fruit. It can survive for at least 6 months. Then, planting offsets, which are quite rare to appear in an apartment, or planting the crown that develops at the top of the fruit, allows you to keep your pineapple.

The pineapple flower

Our favourite variety

Pineapple

How to plant a pineapple?

When to plant pineapple?

As a houseplant, pineapple can be planted at any time of the year

How to plant it?

Pineapple requires a light, rich, porous and permeable substrate with an acidophilous tendency. This substrate can consist of a special Bromeliad compost, or alternatively an orchid compost. You can also use a mix of heather soil, leaf mould and sand (or perlite).

The pineapple should be planted in the smallest possible pot, just large enough to keep the plant stable, as it prefers to feel snug. However, the pot must have drainage holes. A layer of clay pebbles or pumice can be placed at the bottom.

Of course, after planting, the substrate should be watered thoroughly, making sure to remove any excess water.

Where to place it?

Pineapple needs very good light, without direct sun during the hottest months, especially for variegated species. It can be placed near a window, provided it is shaded to protect it from harsh sunlight.

It should also be kept away from all heat sources such as radiators, wood stoves or fireplaces. It also dislikes draughts.

In terms of temperature, pineapple thrives between 18 and 24°C, in a humid atmosphere. It should never be exposed to temperatures below 15°C. In summer, it can be placed outdoors in the garden, in partial shade, provided it receives very regular and abundant watering.

How to care for your pineapple plant?

To keep your pineapple plant thriving for as long as possible, minimal care is essential. Watering plays a crucial role.

Watering

In spring and summer, watering should be very regular but moderate. In autumn and winter, it should be significantly reduced. Specifically, during the warmer months, it’s recommended to provide the correct amount of water at least twice a week. The pineapple enjoys water but cannot tolerate having its roots sitting in it. Therefore, it’s essential to remove any excess water from the saucer or decorative pot. In fact, the soil should remain consistently moist but never waterlogged.

Once temperatures cool down and during winter, watering should be reduced. Allow the soil to dry out a few centimetres before watering again.

The water used should be non-calcareous and at room temperature. Ideally, rainwater is best for pineapples.

In addition to watering, the pineapple should be kept in a consistently humid atmosphere. For this reason, it’s advisable to place the pot on a bed of water-soaked clay pebbles. The evaporation of this water helps maintain constant humidity.

Since the pineapple belongs to the Bromeliaceae family, a small amount of water can be placed in the centre of the rosette—provided it is changed regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria.

Fertilisation

A diluted orchid fertiliser is recommended every two weeks during spring and summer.

Repotting

Repotting is unnecessary, as the rosette dies after the fruit is harvested. However, the crown of leaves on the fruit can be replanted.

Pruning

The pineapple does not require pruning. However, damaged or dead leaves at the base can be removed to encourage the growth of offshoots.

→ Learn more in Pineapple: Seasonal Care for This Indoor Plant.

How to propagate pineapple?

Pineapple propagation can be done in two ways: either by removing and planting offshoots in spring or summer, or by propagating the crown of leaves from cuttings.

• If offshoots have formed at the base of the leaves, they can be cut off once the mother rosette has died and then replanted in a new pot filled with a mixture of leaf compost and sand. To speed up recovery, you can place a plastic bag over the pot to maintain some humidity. Remember to ventilate the pot well and water sparingly, ensuring no water stagnates. However, the formation of offshoots remains relatively rare when pineapple is grown indoors.
• The second method involves cutting the base of the crown of leaves that develop at the top of the fruit. After allowing the fleshy part of the fruit to dry out, remove the first rank of leaves from the crown. Then, you can either place this cutting in water or plant it directly in a mixture of sand and leaf compost. When the cutting, placed in water, has formed tiny rootlets, it can be planted in a sandy mixture. To avoid exhausting the young plant, it is advisable to slightly trim the tips of the leaves. The substrate should always be kept moist. A temperature of at least 24°C is required. As is patience, since development takes a few years before you might see a flower appear.

Pineapple Pests and Diseases

Excess moisture will always be harmful to the pineapple. It will lead to fusarium wilt, a rot that causes the rosette to wilt and brown spots to appear on the foliage. Similarly, the leaf tips may turn brown. Watering should be spaced out and any stagnant water removed. If the foliage becomes dull and pale, it is certainly because your pineapple lacks light. Drooping and softening foliage is often due to an atmosphere that is too dry. Simply mist the foliage and place a saucer filled with moistened clay pebbles under the pot.

As the pineapple thrives in a warm and humid atmosphere, it can be susceptible to mealybug attacks. I invite you to learn how to combat them in this article: Mealybugs: identification and treatment.

In an atmosphere that is too dry, red spider mites may infest the foliage. Again, I leave you to discover all our advice on how to get rid of them in this article: Red spider mites: identification and treatment.

→ To learn more, check out our article: “Pineapple Diseases and Pests: How to Identify and Treat Them?“

How to showcase a pineapple plant?

With its decidedly exotic appearance, the pineapple plant will thrive in a very bright room, such as a conservatory or winter garden. It can easily be paired with plants sharing the same needs, from the Bromeliad family, like the Guzmania with its glossy leaves and red-bracted flowers, the Bromelia with its spike-shaped inflorescences, the Aechmea with its very broad, leathery leaves and unique flower, or the Neoregelia, a tropical epiphytic plant that turns red at its centre when flowering.

The highly decorative Croton, with its variegated foliage, and the Peperomia with leaves variously coloured in green or purple, complete this vibrant exotic display. Adding a Zamioculcas zamiifolia, better known as the ZZ plant, will bring verticality. As will the Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii’, or mother-in-law’s tongue, a succulent with stiff, upright leaves.

The pineapple plant can perfectly find its place in a jungle-inspired, tropical setting, where bamboo, exotic woods and rattan abound. To complete your décor, large exotic plants like the Rubber plant, Monstera or a Banana tree, will help create a very graphic display… In short, to enhance the jungle effect, don’t hesitate to play with abundance, profusion, even exuberance of greenery.

But the pineapple plant can stand perfectly on its own, showcased in a golden ceramic planter.