Pineapple Plant

Pineapple Plant: Overview

The Pineapple Plant (Ananas comosus) is a bushy tropical plant with thick, spiky leaves. It grows a central stalk with an edible pineapple fruit on top. Although the Pineapple may resemble a small palm tree in shape, the plant isn’t a tree or bush but a terrestrial bromeliad. The edible Pineapple plant is also known as Bromelia comosa or Ananas ‘Mi Amigo’.  

Pineapple plants can grow up to 3-4 ft. in height. Native to South America, the Bromeliad Pineapple plant requires a warm and humid environment and can be grown outdoors in hardiness zones 10-11. It takes a Pineapple plant about 3 years to reach maturity and start to bloom (if the conditions are right). It usually lasts for 5 to 7 years. 

The pineapple inflorescence looks like a red or deep pink pineapple fruit, but the actual flowers are tiny, purple blooms hidden in the fold of each spike. Pineapples are easy-to-care-for plants. They love the sun and need plenty of water. Because of their shallow root system, Pineapple plants can grow fast in a pot. 

While the Pineapple Ananas is considered non-toxic to pets, its unripe fruit can cause mouth, throat, and stomach irritation in pets and small children.

In Chinese culture, pineapples symbolize warm welcome and hospitality and are believed to bring good luck. According to Feng Shui, they attract abundance and promote well-being.

Pineapple Plant: Benefits

• Great air-purifying plant that removes toxins and produces oxygen at night
• Adds an exotic appeal and tropical vibe to any space
• Easy-care plant
• Popular symbol of abundance and hospitality
• Gorgeous edible fruits with numerous health benefits
• Fun gift plant

Pineapple Plant: Care Guide

The Pineapple plant care is surprisingly easy. Here are some key tips to get you started:

Watering and Humidity

Finding the right balance in watering is often key to growing a pineapple plant successfully. Water your pineapple plant regularly and abundantly once the top soil layer gets dry. Keep the soil from getting soggy, however. As a tropical plant, the Ananas needs plenty of humidity. To increase humidity, mist your indoor Pineapple plant, group it with other plants, or place the pot on a pebble tray.

Light and Temperature

The Ananas plant needs 6-8 hours of bright, indirect light. It grows best in warm temperatures from 68℉ to 85℉. If you intend to grow your plant outdoors on the porch, always bring it indoors if the night temperatures drop below 45°F.

Soil, Feeding and Repotting

Choosing the right soil for your Ananas comosus is important to prevent overwatering. Plant it in well-draining, rich soil mixed with perlite for enhanced drainage. Feed your Pineapple tree regularly with a well-balanced fertilizer.

Most Pineapple plants won’t need repotting for 6-12 months after purchase. Before you repot your plant, water it well the previous day. Use a 2-inch larger pot to provide space for the roots. Trim any damaged or rotting roots with sterile pruners.

Pineapple Plant: Propagation

You can quickly propagate your Pineapple Bromeliad plant by cutting off the leafy top of your pineapple fruit. Remove the fruit flesh and peel off the lower leaves. Let the cut top callus for several days, and then plant in moist, well-draining soil. Place the new plant in bright, indirect light. Keep the soil consistently moist. You can also propagate your plant via suckers.

Pruning, Cleaning, and Common Issues

Prune any wilting or damaged leaves on your plant. It’s normal for the lower leaves to wilt after repotting or aging to make way for new leaves, so remove them carefully. Shower your plant to remove dust once in a while. Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering or lack of light. 

Ananas Comosus: Placement, Companion & Alternative Plants

Whether you grow your Pineapple plant outdoors or indoors, its eye-catching beauty will enhance your home and lend it unforgettable tropical charm.

Best Locations & Uses

• Ideal for beginner indoor gardeners
• It makes the perfect entryway plant
• Wonderful bedroom plant because of the oxygen it produces during the night
• It is ideal as a porch plant for humid and warm environments

Companion Plants

Grouping your Ananas with other humidity-loving plants is a beautiful way to increase air moisture around them:

• Flamingo Flower (Anthurium spp. – Red): The vibrant Flamingo Flower adds a festive, tropical mood to any space with its bright red, long-lasting inflorescences.
• Dieffenbachia Camille (Dieffenbachia Camille): With its lovely, green-white leaves, the Dieffenbachia Camille is a charming addition to your indoor plant collection.
• Coconut Palm Tree (Cocos nucifera): Another pet-friendly plant with edible fruit, the Coconut Palm is full of exotic charm.

Alternative Plants

If you like the Pineapple plant’s exotic look but want to consider other similar plants, here are some ideas we’ve picked for you:

• Evita Vriesea Bromeliad ('Evita' Vriesea splendens): The amazing Evita Vriesea Bromeliad has sword-shaped, long-lasting blooms in various vibrant colors.
• Good Luck Plant (Cordyline fruticosa Glauca): The easy-care, air-purifying Good Luck Plant will bring an exotic and lush ambiance into any living space with its crown of elegant, curved leaves.
• Vriesea Bromeliad (Vriesea splendens): Another stunning bromeliad plant, the Vriesea Bromeliad will enchant you with its striped leaves and fiery red flower.

Bring the Tropics at Home With a Pineapple Plant from LivelyRoot Today!

Get a Pineapple plant with fruit from Lively Root to create your jungle paradise!