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My local grocery store had pineapples on sale for .98¢ this week for Easter, score! I’m super excited to grow another pineapple houseplant. Pineapples make awesome houseplants. The plant on the right is from a pineapple top that I planted two years ago.
It is possible to grow a pineapple plant that will produce a pineapple if you live in a warm climate. They will grow outside in places that are warm and sunny year-round. For best results, U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11 are recommended. Pineapple plants thrive in temperatures between 65°F – 90°F. Pineapple plants can be moved indoors or put in a greenhouse when temperatures are going to be lower than 60°F.
Pineapples flower only once and produce only one pineapple per plant before they die. But when you harvest the pineapple, there will be shoots growing up from the base. The shoots can be gently removed and each can be planted in its own pot to grow a new pineapple plant. You can also grow another plant from the top of the newly grown fruit. I don’t live in an area where I can grow a pineapple outside, so I will just enjoy them as houseplants.
Buy a fresh pineapple with a nice-looking top. Avoid pineapples that are overripe or have sickly-looking leaves. Cut the top of the pineapple off about half an inch to an inch below the leaves.
Carefully cut off the flesh and the outer bottom leaves of the pineapple until you see root buds (root primordia).
The root buds are small brown-colored dots that will turn into roots once planted. Allowing the pineapple top to “cure” or dry for a couple of days before planting will prevent it from rotting when planted.
Pineapple plants grow best in well-draining soil. Cactus potting mix works well or any soil with sandy loam or perlite. Or you can use gravel in the bottom of the pot to promote good drainage. Plant the pineapple crown about an inch deep and firmly pat the soil around it. Water the pineapple stalk very lightly and put it in a sunny location. It will take about 6 to 8 weeks for the roots to develop and take hold. Water as needed, don’t let it become water-logged or overly dry. Trim off any leaves that turn brown and die. Transplant into a bigger pot after a year.
