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 people of Central America, the pineapple took some time to cross the ocean, as it only arrived on European tables at the beginning of the 16th century, particularly at the Spanish court. However, the consumption of this New World fruit remained very exclusive, reserved for royal elites. Moreover, it was long 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 the time required for cultivation. Eventually, the pineapple became a fruit of exceptional rarity, a symbol of success and wealth. A fruit that was shown off more than eaten! Later, it was successfully cultivated in greenhouses, but 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, the pineapple is produced in South America, Africa, and the French overseas departments and regions. And it is the second most consumed tropical fruit after the banana. Completely frost-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 in this case, its fruit is never equal to 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 is now known by the Latin name Ananas comosus. A member of the Bromeliaceae family, it is closely related to the Aechmea, the Guzmania, the Neoregelia, the Vriesea, the Cryptanthus, and the Tillandsia, other plants of tropical and subtropical origin, widely cultivated in our homes. All bring a purely exotic atmosphere to your living spaces. Originally, most Bromeliads are epiphytic plants. But not the pineapple, which is a terrestrial plant. All are cultivated 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 parent plant and ensure its continuation.

Ananas comosus consists of a rosette of lanceolate, grey-green leaves that grow directly from the roots. These stiff, thick, and fleshy leaves curve outward and are edged with spines. 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’ offers variegated, tufted foliage. Its sword-shaped, leathery, and ribbon-like leaves are green, edged with white and bordered with pink spines. As for the cultivar ‘Porteanus’, it is distinguished by the yellow stripe running through the centre of its leaves.

In summer, after 4 to 5 years of cultivation, the pineapple produces small, ovoid, bluish-pink flowers surrounded by orange-red bracts, grouped in 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 with a scaly rind 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 highly unlikely.

Obviously, due to its origins, the pineapple plant is frost-tender. It cannot withstand winter temperatures below 16 to 18 °C. It is very easy to grow in pots. In commerce, the pineapple is most often purchased with a fruit on top. It can last 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 well-draining substrate with a slightly acidic tendency. This substrate can consist of a special Bromeliad compost or, alternatively, a special orchid compost. You can also use a mixture of ericaceous compost, leaf mould, and sand (or perlite).

The pineapple should be placed 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 added to the bottom.

Of course, after planting, the substrate should be watered thoroughly, ensuring any excess water is drained away.

Where to place it?

Pineapple requires bright light but should be protected from direct sunlight during the hottest months, especially for variegated varieties. It can be placed near a window, provided the window is shaded to protect it from harsh sunlight.

It should also be kept away from heat sources such as radiators, wood stoves, or fireplaces. It is also sensitive to drafts.

In terms of temperature, pineapple thrives between 18 and 24°C in a humid environment. It should never be exposed to temperatures below 15°C. In summer, it can be placed outdoors in the garden, in partial shade, as long as it is watered regularly and abundantly.

How to care for your pineapple plant?

To keep your pineapple plant thriving for as long as possible, it requires minimal care, with watering being essential.

Watering

In spring and summer, watering should be very regular but moderate. In autumn and winter, it is significantly reduced. Specifically, during the warmer months, it is recommended to provide water in the right quantity at least twice a week. Pineapples love water but cannot tolerate having their roots sitting in water. Therefore, it is crucial to remove any residual water from the saucer or decorative pot. In fact, the substrate should remain consistently moist but not waterlogged.

As temperatures cool down and during winter, watering should be reduced. Wait until the substrate dries out a few centimetres before watering again.

The watering water should be non-calcareous and at room temperature. Ideally, rainwater can be provided to the pineapple.

In addition to watering, the pineapple should be kept in a constantly humid atmosphere. This is why it is recommended 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 Bromeliad family, it is possible to add a little water to the centre of the rosette. However, this water must be changed regularly to prevent bacterial growth.

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 stimulate the growth of new shoots.

→ 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 cutting the crown of leaves.

• If offshoots have formed at the base of the leaves, they can be cut off after the mother rosette dies 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 aerate 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 row 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 roots, it can be planted in a sandy mixture. To avoid exhausting the plant, it is recommended 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, as development takes a few years before you might see a flower appear.

Pineapple Diseases and Pests

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 should be removed. If the foliage becomes dull and pale, it is likely because your pineapple is lacking light. Leaves that droop and soften are 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.

Since 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 encourage you to discover all our tips for getting rid of them in this article: Red Spider Mites: Identification and Treatment.

→ To learn more, check out our article: “Diseases and Pests of Pineapple: 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 that have similar needs, from the Bromeliad family, such as the Guzmania with its glossy leaves and red bract flowers, the Bromelia with its spike-shaped inflorescences, the Aechmea with its tough, broad leaves and unique flower, or the Neoregelia, a tropical epiphytic plant that turns red in the centre when it blooms.

The Croton, highly decorative with its variegated foliage, and the Peperomia with its 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. Just like 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 décor, where bamboo, exotic woods, and rattan abound. To complete your décor, large exotic plants, such as the Rubber Plant, the Monstera, or a Banana Tree, will help create a highly graphic display… In short, to enhance the jungle effect, don’t hesitate to play with abundance, profusion, or even the exuberance of green plants.

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