Pineapple: Planting, Growing, and Propagation

Botany

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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, as it only made its way to European tables in the early 16th century, particularly at the Spanish court. However, the consumption of this New World fruit remained very confidential, reserved for royal elites. Especially since it was long and fragile to export. In the 17th century, cultivation trials were launched in the royal greenhouses, with little success due to the demanding growing conditions and long cultivation time. Eventually, the pineapple became a fruit of exceptional rarity, a symbol of success and wealth. A fruit that was more for display than consumption! Subsequently, it became possible to grow it under glass, but at great effort. Louis XIV is said to have even tasted it! However, by the end of the 19th century, the importation of whole plants replaced greenhouse cultivation.

Today, pineapples are produced in South America, Africa, and in the French overseas departments and regions. It is the second most consumed tropical fruit after bananas. Being frost-sensitive, pineapples can only be grown indoors in our latitudes, or under a heated greenhouse with high humidity levels, or in a conservatory, to recreate tropical climatic conditions. Even in this scenario, the fruit never matches imported pineapples in quality.

The Ananas comosus type and the variegated variety ‘Variegatus’

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

Formerly known as Ananas sativus, the pineapple now bears the Latin name Ananas comosus. A member of the Bromeliaceae family, it is a close relative of Aechmea, Guzmania, Neoregelia, Vrisea, Cryptanthus, and Tillandsia, other tropical and subtropical plants widely cultivated indoors. They all bring a purely exotic atmosphere to your living spaces. Bromeliads are originally mostly epiphytic plants, but not the pineapple, which is a terrestrial plant. They are grown as indoor plants for their unique colourful inflorescence. This inflorescence takes years to bloom and marks the plant’s death about 6 months later. However, the offsets that appear at the base replace the mother plant and ensure its offspring.

Ananas comosus consists of a rosette of lanceolate, grey-green leaves that arise directly from the roots. These stiff, thick, fleshy leaves curve outward and are edged with thorns. They are rather long, quite thin, and end in a sharp point. They are arranged spirally. In their natural habitat, these leaves can reach a length of 1 m. Decorative cultivars allow for variety. They differ from the species by their colourful foliage. For example, Ananas comosus ‘Variegatus’ offers variegated villous foliage. Its sword-shaped, leathery, ribbon-like leaves are green with white margins and edged with pink thorns. As for the cultivar ‘Porteanus,’ it is distinguished by the yellow-striped 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 floral stem 50 cm long. Under favourable weather and cultivation conditions, each flower forms a fruit with a scaly bark that makes up a pineapple. In a warm and humid greenhouse or conservatory, it is entirely possible for the pineapple plant to produce a small-sized fruit, but in our homes, this is highly unlikely.

Of course, due to its origins, the pineapple plant is frost-sensitive. It cannot tolerate winter temperatures below 16 to 18 °C. It is very easy to grow in a pot. In commerce, pineapples are most often purchased with a fruit on top. It can last for at least 6 months. Afterwards, planting offsets, which are quite rare to appear indoors, or planting the crown that develops at the top of the fruit, allows you to keep your pineapple plant.

The pineapple flower

Our favorite variety

Pineapple

Planting an pineapple is quite an easy process. Here are the steps to follow: 1. Choose a ripe pineapple with healthy leaves. 2. Twist off the crown of the pineapple. 3. Remove some of the lower leaves to expose the stem. 4. Let the stem dry for a few days to prevent rotting. 5. Plant the pineapple crown in a well-draining soil mix. 6. Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. 7. Place the plant in a sunny spot with indirect light. 8. In a few months, the pineapple plant will start to grow and develop into a young plant.

When to plant pineapple?

As an indoor plant, pineapple can be planted at any time of the year.

How to plant it?

Pineapple requires a light, rich, porous, and permeable substrate, with a tendency towards acidity. This substrate can therefore consist of a special Bromeliad potting mix, or alternatively a special orchid potting mix. One can also use a mix of heather soil, leaf compost, and sand (or perlite). 

Pineapple should be placed in the smallest possible pot, almost at the plant’s stability limit, as this plant enjoys feeling cramped. However, the pot should be perforated to ensure proper drainage. A layer of clay pebbles or pumice can be placed at the bottom.

Of course, after planting, the substrate should be abundantly watered, ensuring to eliminate any excess water.

Where to place it?

Pineapple requires very good light, without direct sunlight during the hottest months, especially for species with variegated leaves. Pineapple can be placed near a window, provided it is shielded to protect it from the sun’s scorching rays.

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

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 perfectly placed in the garden, in partial shade, provided it receives very regular and abundant watering.

How to care for your pineapple?

To keep your pineapple plant as healthy as possible, it requires minimal maintenance. Watering is essential.

Watering

In spring and summer, watering should be very regular but moderate. In autumn and winter, it should be significantly reduced. Specifically, during the growing season, it is recommended to water adequately at least twice a week. Pineapples enjoy water but do not tolerate having their roots sitting in water. Therefore, it is crucial to remove any excess water from the saucer or cache-pot. The substrate should remain consistently moist without being waterlogged.

As temperatures cool down in autumn and winter, watering should be reduced. Wait for the substrate to dry 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 plant should be kept in a constantly humid atmosphere. It is recommended to place the pot on a bed of clay pebbles soaked in water. The evaporation of this water helps maintain constant humidity.

As pineapples belong to the Bromeliad family, it is possible to put a little water in the center of the rosette. However, it should be changed regularly to prevent the development of bacteria.

Fertilization

Regularly fertilize with a highly diluted special orchid fertilizer every 15 days.

Repotting

Repotting is unnecessary as the rosette dies after fruit harvest. However, you can replant the leafy crown located on the fruit.

Pruning

Pineapples do not require pruning. However, you can remove damaged or dead leaves at the base to stimulate the growth of shoots.

How to propagate pineapple?

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

• If suckers have formed at the base of the leaves, they can be cut off when the mother rosette dies and then replanted in a new pot filled with a mix of leaf compost and sand. To speed up growth, a plastic bag can be placed over the pot to maintain some humidity. Remember to aerate the pot well and water moderately, making sure not to let water stagnate. However, sucker formation is relatively rare when pineapples are grown indoors
• The second method involves cutting the base of the leaf crown that develops 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 mix of sand and leaf compost. Once the cutting, placed in water, has formed tiny rootlets, it can be planted in a sandy mix. To avoid exhausting the plant, it is recommended to lightly trim the tips of the leaves. The substrate should always be kept moist. A temperature of at least 24°C is necessary. As well as patience, as development takes a few years before a flower may (or may not) appear.

Diseases and Pests of Pineapple

Excess water will always be harmful to the pineapple plant. It can lead to fusarium wilt, causing the wilting of the rosette and the appearance of brown spots on the leaves. Similarly, leaf tips may turn brown. Watering should be spaced out and stagnant water should be removed. If the leaves become dull and pale, it is likely because your pineapple plant lacks light. Drooping and softening foliage is often due to a too dry atmosphere. Simply mist the leaves and place a saucer filled with moistened clay pebbles under the pot.

As pineapples thrive in a warm and humid environment, they can be susceptible to mealybugs infestation. I recommend learning how to combat them in this article: Mealybugs: identification and treatment.

In a too dry atmosphere, red spider mites are likely to invade the foliage. Once again, I invite you to discover all our tips to get rid of them in this article: Red spider mites: identification and treatment.

To showcase a plant:young plant pineapple, opt for a decorative pot that complements its vibrant green leaves. Place it in a well-lit spot, ensuring it receives indirect sunlight. Regularly water the plant, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Rotate the plant occasionally to promote even growth. Consider adding a layer of decorative stones or moss to the top of the soil for a polished look. Enjoy the tropical touch the plant brings to your space!

With its decidedly exotic appearance, the pineapple plant will thrive in a very bright room, such as a conservatory or a winter garden. It can easily be paired with plants with similar needs, belonging to 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 very broad leathery leaves and unique flower, or the Neoregelia, a tropical epiphytic plant that reddens at its center when it blooms.

The Croton, very decorative with its variegated foliage, and also the Peperomia with leaves of various shades of green or purple, complete this colourful exotic picture. Adding a Zamioculca zamiifolia, better known as the ZZ plant, will bring verticality. Just like the Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii’, or snake plant, a succulent plant with stiff, upright leaves.

The pineapple can perfectly fit into a jungle-inspired tropical decor, where bamboo, exotic woods, and rattan abound. To complement your decor, large exotic plants like the Rubber Plant, the Monstera, or a Banana Tree, will help create a very graphic setting… In short, to enhance the jungle effect, do not hesitate to play with the profusion, abundance, and even exuberance of green plants.

But the pineapple plant can stand on its own, highlighted by a golden ceramic cachepot.