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Growing Pineapple

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I just got my first pineapple and it was a small but very tasty. My question is this will another pinapple eventually grow from the same plant?

Pineapple plant flowering after 2 years from cutting. Pineapple start bloom

I am glad you enjoyed your pineapple. You will not get another pineapple from the same mother plant but you can get a second (ratoon) fruit when a shoot or sucker is left attached to the mother plant. Other shoots should be cut off and started as new plants.

Another option is to start a new plant from the pineapple you bought in the grocery store.

Here is how to start:
Pick out a pineapple with healthy, unbruised leaves. Cut the spiky top of the pineapple, leave the large leaves and pull off about a fourth of the lower leaves to expose the stem. You will see small brown bumps that eventually become the roots (root primordia). Let it dry in a shaded area for several days and then plant in 6 inch pot with well-drained soil. Some people have brushed rooting hormone on the bottom to speed up rooting. Another method is to let it root in water. It can take 2-4 weeks for roots to grow. After planting keep it moist but not wet and in a sunny, warm(75) and humid place with night temperatures above 65 degrees. It should start to grow in about 2 months. In dry conditions, mist and keep a bit of water in the center crown. Feed it with a half strength fertilizer twice a month during the summer months.
It can take several years for the plant to be ready to flower and bear fruit. The plant should have at least 25 normal sized leaves to be large enough to flower. If after 18 mos. you don’t see anything happening-place the plant in a plastic bag with two very ripe apples cut in half, this will release ethylene gas which will triggers their blooming stimuli. In 1-2 months you should see a red spiky bud followed by blue flowers in the center of the plant. This process can take 2-3 years but it’s worth a try just to have a novelty bromeliad around to enjoy. Once you pick a pineapple it will not get riper or sweeter only juicier.
Pineapple2mo. ripe pineapple 7mo. after bloom

The pineapple plant pictured here was forced to bloom when the plant was young (18 mo.) producing smaller fruit. For larger fruit it’s best to have a minimum of 40 mature leaves 18 inches long.

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42 Comments on Growing Pineapple»

  1. I’ve been trying to find out how to care for my pineapple plant. It has a small fruit on it and I don’t want to kill it. can you please help me. thank you Jessica

    Jessica just let it alone give it some water and make sure it has some water in its top leaves. I take mine outdoors in the spring and leave til first frost.I have grown three pineapples from them. You should fertilize during the spring.
    Gail

    Comment by Jessica — 3/1/2005 @ 11:36 am

  2. how long does it take to grow a pineapple?

    It can take 2 yrs or more. Flowers should show up 15-23 months after it was planted from the crown and it takes 5-7 mo. from bloom to fruit.

    Comment by bob — 5/5/2005 @ 9:13 am

  3. I live in Hawaii and have 4 pineapples (started from tops) bearing fruit. My question is will the plants bear again or should I dispose of them after picking the fruit?

    They can bear fruit again. Once the first and largest fruit has ripened, it may produce several shoots called suckers. Leave one or two suckers on the plant which should produce a second smaller fruit. After that they are discarded although if the plant remains healthy, you can try for a third fruit.
    Source:hawaii.edu/pineapple

    Comment by Barb — 6/1/2005 @ 7:55 pm

  4. How do you replant the slips/suckers to make new plants?

    To replant new pups you need to wait till they are 1/3-1/2 the size of the Mother plant or when they have developed a small rosette of leaves similar to the mother plant. Cut them at the base with a serrated knife or shears. The pup may or may not have any roots. Some sources suggest that the pup should not be removed until it has a root structure. Roots are better but don’t panic if there are none. Plant it in a pot of sandy well-drained soil. Don’t overwater. Check for roots in about 2-3 wks.

    Comment by Chris McClain — 6/19/2005 @ 9:05 am

  5. Coaxing your pineapple to bloom
    My mum has been growing a pineapple for about 2yrs now and it gets more and more leaves, but as yet it has not sent up a flower, she is worried that she’ll never get a fruit. Is there anything we can do to aid it? We can not tip it on its side as it is too big and would break. Thanks.

    Place it in a plastic bag with a ripe apple. The apple will release ethylene which will stimulate the plant into fruiting or try a placing a small lump of calcium carbide in the center of the plant.

    Joni Raye ( Barbiefishing@aol.com / )
    From Florida, I have a Pineapple Plant that is 4 yrs old, without fruit. I was told by many people how to expedite fruiting of the plant. I finally did what I kept hearing and now 2 week later my plant has a pineapple. 1 Miniature of rum directly into the center of the plant provides whatever it needed to bloom. Now like other I am afraid to leave it outside for the birds,bats or vermin. worked for me, thus far.

    Thanks for that tip! I’ve never heard of the rum trick. Kris

    Mike H. ( mike3116b@yahoo.com / )
    I have been growing a pineapple for 3 years now and haven’t gotten any fruit off of it. I have 2 questions. 1) the stalk has gotten so big and weak that now it can’t support the rest of the plant. Should I start over?
    2) I think it is too big to put into a bag with apples. What other options do I have? One guy said something about rum?

    You’ll have to support the stalk. Another option other than rum is to lay the plant on its side between waterings - this interferes with the hormones causing ethylene production which is needed to induce flowering.

    Katrina ( jeff_crom@hotmail.com / )
    I have had a pineapple plant potted for at least two years and it has yet to flower or produce a pineapple. It is too large to either lay on its side or put in a bag w/apples. Any advice? Thanks
    Katrina

    You can also force your plant by placing a small lump of calcuim carbide (size of your little fingernail) into the cente of your plant and pour a quarter cup of water over it. Thsi will release acetylene gas which will force it to flower. Do this in the evening when temperatures are cooler. Calcuim carbide can be bought in garden center, pharmacy or toy store. Source:tpss. hawaii.edu/pineapple

    Comment by M Mannan — 9/10/2005 @ 11:16 am

  6. Okay, I just got a pineapple today and I want to know if it is best to grow it in water or soil. Please hurry!!

    It seems to work either way. I have had luck both ways and lately use the water method. After you cut it, let the flower stalk sit out for a few days to dry and form a callus before planting in well-drained soil. see article above for instructions. Sometimes, I get a pineapple that has some nubs or roots around the base,and then I start it in water. When starting in water, peel away some of the leaves to expose the nubbs and place the cut pineapple on top of a glass jar. Change the water every few days and watch the roots grow into the water. When they get large enough, carefully plant them in soil.

    Comment by Raya — 10/29/2005 @ 7:14 pm

  7. I’ve neglected to fertilize during the spring this being my first time, do water about once a week. Does this have a bearing on the production of fruit?

    As long as it is growing you’re fine. It should not affect the fruiting process at this time. Fertilize once every two-three months. If it is indoors use 1/2 strength and increase in the spring when the plant gets more sun. It is more important to fertilize when the plant is actively growing because then it can utilize the nutrients. Pineapples don’t need a lot of water so water to wet the well drained soil-once a week. If indoors, you might have to gage the watering to once every 2 wks. You don’t want the plant too wet as it will start to rot.

    Comment by john mccraney — 11/22/2005 @ 9:26 am

  8. We purchased a well established pineapple plant from a nursery. It seems to be doing well as it has produced a new shoot at the base of the plant. My main concern is the bottom leaves of the plant are browning, mostly at the tips to half way down the leaves. Should these be cut off or just left alone and if they should be cut off, should I cut the whole leave or just the brown? Any help on this would be appreciated.

    The shoots are new baby plants called pups, eventually they can be separated from the mother plant. You can remove the unsightly brown leaves and trim the tips if they bother you. The green part of the leaf is still providing food and energy to the plant so you might as well as leave it until its completely brown. It sounds as if your plant has gone thru a blooming /fruit production cycle and is now producing new plants.

    Comment by Carrie — 12/1/2005 @ 3:17 pm

  9. don’t the pineapples need to be fertilized? it sounds like they just produce a fruit by themselves, if it is so do you know why?

    Pineapple fruit comes from non-fertilized flowers known as parthenocarpic fruit set without pollination or fertilization. The fruit is seedless and therefore reproduced vegetatively.

    Comment by jakub — 1/2/2006 @ 7:00 pm

  10. I too have just picked my first 2 fruit– small but good, but took 3 years. Want to know what fertiliser is best,as i wish to produce more and better; do they need phosphorus..thks for the good advice i’ve read re using the pups.

    The recommendation for fertilizer varies with every source. They don’t need a lot of fertilizer but require higher nitrogen, potassium and iron and less phosphorous and calcuim. A soluble houseplant fertilizer used every 3 months is recommendedwhen the plant is mature and growing. The ISU extension recommends fertilizing once or twice a month in the spring and summer when actively growing and once a month in fall and winter. Use caution in overfertilizing as that can burn the roots. For more detailed info go to agrss.sherman.hawaii edu/pineapple.

    Comment by subtroppo — 1/24/2006 @ 5:02 am

  11. Have begun to grow 2 pineapples in pots.One is ok the other one has 6 offshoots growing from it.I live in Australia

    If the core (center) of the plant was damaged, then it will produce offshoots which will result in several new plants that will eventually need to be separated and repotted.

    Comment by Jan Out — 1/24/2006 @ 10:21 pm

  12. Using the crown method for pineapple propagation ( which has failed me in the past ) I finally have succeeded in establishing 2 plants. I know that the plant takes a long time to bear it’s fruit so I don’t want to make any mistakes or expect something that may not happen. I’ve read that the plant will need to be outside for it to bear the fruit so my question is, living in the piedmont of North Carolina I assume I will need to dig up the plant in the winter ( same as they do in the north with fig trees ) will they be able to still bear fruit with this type of stress ?

    You can bury the pot and then dig it up which won’t disturb the roots or some just keep it in a container outdoors just make sure the pot is large enough. Seems many have had luck growing in a container.

    Comment by Ray Forconi — 1/29/2006 @ 1:09 pm

  13. ive been growing a pineapple plant for two years in ohio comes inside for winter. if it doesnt fruit by itself this summer i will force it. its a neat looking plant and i disagree with letting the top of the pineapple after its removed to dry for two days. i have started a dozen plants and shipped them all over the country to my friends i removed the top and placed it in water immediately for 10 days changing water daily then placed them in a pot 90 % rooted with this method

    Thanks for the additional info. I am in the process of trying that same method and found that rooting in water is much easier and quicker in the spring as opposed to the fall.

    Comment by william freeh — 2/14/2006 @ 10:20 pm

  14. Great forum. It’s answered all my questions. I just wanted to recommend the fertilizer I use. It’s called “Flower Magic", it’s a concentrated liquid (9-18-9) that you add to tepid water. I water the crown and roots with it. It works equally well with Plumeria and Coconut Palm. Thanks again.

    Sounds great!!

    Comment by Don - Southern California — 2/15/2006 @ 12:18 pm

  15. I have a pineapple plant that has a pineapple on it. In the last few days it has turned red. Why would this happen?

    It is possible that it is gettng more sun exposure and like apples on a tree, the side that gets more sun is redder. You may also have an ornamental variety that produces a red pineapple. Most ornamentals are grown as interesting houseplants in which the fruit is 1-2 inches and is inedible but can be used as a cut flower or in floral design.

    Comment by Jewell — 3/9/2006 @ 5:40 pm

  16. What is the appropriate water schedule, through the soil or in the spines

    If growing the plant indoors, it is best to apply water directly to the soil. Outdoors, you can spray water into the cup and bottom of plant. Water once a week in summer and keep it on the dry side during the winter. There is no magic formula to how often you need to water, if conditions are hot and dry outdoors then you may need to water more often .

    Comment by john — 3/27/2006 @ 11:36 am

  17. How do I remove the fruit when it is ready and not harm the entire plant?

    Cut the pineapple off the stem that it is on. It won’t harm the plant.

    Comment by Jim — 5/15/2006 @ 12:47 pm

  18. I have discovered that a plant that my daughter brought home is a pinnaple plant, since it is producing a pinnaple on the stalk. The fruit is larger than my fist and is sprouting more leaves out the top. When should it be picked?

    It may be a decorative pineapple plant in which the fruit itself doesn’t get too big. Pick it when it starts to turn yellow/orange

    Comment by Dave — 6/12/2006 @ 7:39 am

  19. I would like to find out a little more info about growing a pineapple indoors, I live in Northern Idaho. I need to know what the best sized pot to put it in for the best results. I have never done this before & so I am a little lost, I have a small pineapple already & it is about the size of my pinky finger not including the top & it has 2 small plants growing next to the base of the plant. Any suggestions would be great! Thank You.

    If you have a pineapple plant with a small fruit and if the plant is pot bound (roots coming out of the bottom) then, transplant it to a pot 1″ larger. This will help get it through the winter, otherwise don’t disturb it. Keep it in the sunniest spot in the house(direct sun) and water when dry. Don’t overwater (can cause root rot), keep it on the dry side. Fertilize once a month during the peak growing season (summer). Repot to a larger pot next season when the plant gets larger.

    Comment by Hilary — 8/16/2006 @ 2:06 am

  20. I’ve been growing pineapples for about 5 years and been very sucessfull. I live in central Fla. and my plants are in the ground, during the winter I make sure they are covered but for the most part they are in direct sun. The fruit is better than any I’ve bought in the store, maybe the wait or watching them grow. So to all you just starting to grow them good luck and be patient, if all else fails you can start a new one with help of other growers on this site.

    Thanks for the encouraging comment!!

    Comment by Mary Y. — 8/17/2006 @ 12:41 am

  21. I have 5 pineapple plants started in different stages. I need to know what to do with these plants after bringing in for the winter. Some plants are very large and have side plants on them. They are all very healthy and I don’t want to change that. Still waiting to see some blooms, maybe next year

    They are addictive aren’t they? I have the same problem. Five plants do take up a lot of space. You need to place them in the sunniest window for the winter. Take the biggest plant (12-14 mo. old) and place it in a plastic bag with a two apples for a week, maybe that will stimulate blooming.

    Comment by Richard Donoflio — 9/19/2006 @ 8:06 pm

  22. I just bought some weird hybrid “green pineapple” from WalMart. Paid $24. Grown by Heines Horticulture. Says it’s extra sweet and all. It’s really small. A little larger than a baseball and just starting to go from green towards yellow.
    Anyone know anything about this particular variety of pineapple? Does everything everyone said still apply as far as propigation?
    In case I don’t remember to come back here, you can Email me at: luposian@gmail.com

    I’m not sure which plant you have. The only plant that Hines Hort mentions is ‘Ananas Lucidus’ a red spineless pineapple. These are grown as ornamental plant as they make an interesting accent plant. They will get 2 feet tall and 2 1/2 feet wide. The fruit is inedible. Propagation is the same as a regular pineapple. If it produces suckers, they can be planted when they are large enough to separate from the mother plant.

    Comment by Jared — 10/28/2006 @ 3:09 pm

  23. Can i get another fruit out my plant? i have heard that rum will help it grow another one, is this true? i need help with this plant so i dont kill it. what temp. should i keep my house so it will live longer?

    They can bear fruit again. Once the first and largest fruit has ripened, the plant will produce several shoots, suckers, or slips. All are mini version of the plant that can be reproduced. Leave one or two shoots on the plant and it should produce a second smaller fruit when it gets large enough. If the plant remains healthy you may even get a third fruit (ratoon). After that they are discarded. I have heard that rum can stimulate blooming just like the apple trick but have not tried it. Keep your plant at room temperatures between 65-75 degrees (min 60 degrees) in a bright southern window, water less in the winter.

    Comment by Ricky From Oklahoma — 11/6/2006 @ 10:57 pm

  24. What fertilizer are you talking about when used on the pineapple plant?

    Pineapple generally don’t need a lot of fertilizer. Fertilize lightly once a month at the peak growing season (Summer) and every 2-3 months during the winter. You can use a general houseplant fertilizer such as Schultz, Miracle grow, with a formula of 10-10-10 following manufacturers directions. A comment from 2/15/06 suggested that Flower Magic (9-18-9) works great for him. In the winter months, during a cool period, when the plant is over 16 months, reduce the rate of nitrogen (1st number)and increase phosphorous (middle number) to encourage flowering.

    Comment by Howard — 12/16/2006 @ 11:29 pm

  25. Hi I was wondering if it is a good time for me to start my pineapple plant… I live in massachusetts and right now it is negetive three degree’s. So ill obviously be planting it inside. My living room is always very sunny.and it is 65 degree’s in my house.
    What should I do??

    Yes, its a good time to start, because the days are getting longer and spring will be here eventually. By the time your plant develops some roots, it will be warm enough to set outdoors. I found I had better rooting success planting in spring than in the fall. My 2 year old pineapple plant is now producing a bloom-its exciting!

    Comment by Danielle — 1/26/2007 @ 7:11 am

  26. I live in S. Florida - very hot and humid. For fun, stuck a couple of tops into 5 gallon black plastic pots no more than 2 1/2 years ago. Good dirt, 1/3 home-made compost. Have 13 PINEAPPLES NOW of various ages. Some huge! Basically I have just let them alone. Very rare watering or fertilizing. They get water from heavy humidity dew. I’m strictly an amateur, but from one plant (pot) alone 2 very large and 2 developing fruits. Suspect it’s the compost. Try it! My “rookie” opinion: let ‘em alone! Don’t kill them with kindness.

    Comment by jim abbanat — 5/23/2007 @ 8:03 am

  27. Hi! I recently got a pineapple plant for my bday. I have it outside with 2-4 hours of direct sun. The leaves have turned red. HELP!
    The pot it is in has no drainage. Maybe there is too much water??
    Thank you!

    Your pineapple plant may be a red leaved variety that turns redder with more sun.

    Comment by Kostya — 6/15/2007 @ 12:49 pm

  28. Live in central Indiana. Bought a plant from Meijer’s. The plant is about 13 inches tall, and had a small fruit. Noticed after putting it outside the fruit was hanging over. Put a support for it. One week later the fruit was laying over. Picked the fruit and am rooting it in water. The whole center was rotten. The leaves just fell out. What happened? Never watered it from above. Will the plant put up another plant? Please give me some advice on taking care of these plants. Thanks.

    Your plant went into shock from the change in environment. A plant that’s been in the store with low light has to make a lot of adjustments when you put it outside in bright sun, in addition you don’t know what type of care (watering) the plant had in the store. The fruit will not root -the leafy top of the fruit can be rooted. Cut that off and place it in water. It’s possible that the plant was overwatered causing the center to rot. A healthy mother plant can send out side shoots (pups) usually at the base of the plant, if it does, when they reach 1/2 size of the mother plant can be repotted and made into new plants. If not, buy a pineapple at the grocery store. Look for one with a nice healthy top. Cut or twist off the top, clean off any flesh and some of the leaves and place in water. They seem to root in 2-3 weeks in the summer-then plant it in well-drained soil.

    Comment by Jeremy jerimiah74@yahoo.com — 7/4/2007 @ 6:51 pm

  29. I’m a novice grower in Massachusetts who has never had much luck with plants. I have a cursed brown thumb, or perhaps I’m just suffering from “curiosity killed the cat” syndrome. I bought a pineapple today and popped the top into a glass of water. After searching for info, I came across this site and tore some of the leaves off to expose the stem. I’m still concerned though, as my experience is telling me to put the poor thing out of the eventual misery I’m apt to put it in. Any advice for a novice who just wants the darn thing to stay alive? Thanks!

    Curiosity didn’t kill the cat, it just made him smarter. We learn from our mistakes. Your pineapple should root in water and if it doesn’t try another pineapple. What have you got to loose? Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t-be sure to change the water periodically and keep the top out of direct sun while its rooting. Too much light seems to brown the tips more. When the roots emerge and get to be about 4 inches long, replant the top in well-drained soil into a 6 inch pot or larger. Place it in semi-shade and after a few weeks full sun. It takes some time and patience but you will be thrilled when your plant puts out a flower and starts to fruit. Good luck and keep in touch.

    Comment by Mark Mercier — 7/7/2007 @ 8:07 pm

  30. I have 12 pineapple plants that I’ve started outside in Central Indiana. When it rains, water collects in the center and in the leaves. Will this cause the center of the plant to rot? After the rain, put plant upside down to drain excess water. I know in the tropics the plants receive water daily, and it is impossible to drain out their water. Second question: Planted some of the plants in a cactus mix, and some in regular potting soil. Do I water weekly? If the soil is really dry due to high heat, should I water more frequently? Thanks for your answers.

    They are addictive aren’t they? I only have 7. Finding space for them in the winter can be a challenge. The water that collects in the center of the plant and leaf axils evaporates quickly especially if the plant is outdoors in direct sun. It should be no problem- you don’t need to drain them. If the soil becomes dry from high heat definately water more often-twice a week. Water the soil surface in the winter when the plants are indoors and keep the plant on the dry side.

    Comment by bob smith — 7/17/2007 @ 4:13 pm

  31. Here in Indiana it has been 50 degrees at night. What is the lowest temp the plants can take?

    Minimum temperature is in the high 30’sF but not for a prolonged time. Temperatures 32F and lower may significantly weaken or kill the plant. Temperatures in the 50’s is fine.

    Comment by Jeremy — 7/24/2007 @ 6:58 pm

  32. Where can I find pineapples from the Philippines and Indonesia?

    Go to http://eugenemillo.trustpass.alibaba.com/product/12150405/fresh_pineapple.html Comet enterprise.

    Comment by Cary — 8/8/2007 @ 8:22 pm

  33. I don’t understand what you mean about discarding the plant? Are you stating digging it up and throwing it out after the second fruit has grown? And is there a procedure for thinning out the plants to increase the sun lite on them? Thanks your information on the answers has been very helpful.
    Kathy– Vero Beach, Florida

    Pineapples will bear fruit once, perhaps twice (second fruit will be smaller)if you’re lucky, but after that it is usually spent and will not produce any fruit. It may produce pups or offset (new plants) but those should eventually be separated into individual plants. You can also use the pineapple tops from the fruit to start a new plant.

    Comment by Kathy Stockton — 8/10/2007 @ 6:02 pm

  34. my plant has not beared fruit yet but has produced suckers. when do i replant? is ti normal for a plant to produce suckers although it has not beared fruit? plant growth 12-13 months from crown.

    It’s not unusual for the plant to produce suckers before fruiting. Those should be left on the plant and can be removed after fruiting or when they reach 1/3-1/2 the size of the mother plant.(see earlier Q&A on slips and suckers) The plant has to reach a certain size (18-24mo.) in order to bloom or have a stimulus such as the “apple trick” to get it to bloom. The exposure to ethylene gas which is emitted from the apples will encourage blooming. A younger plant will produce a smaller the fruit . Pineapple can take 2 or more years to produce fruit. Best time to replant your pineapple plant is in the spring before new growth starts.

    Comment by aaron — 10/22/2007 @ 9:59 am

  35. Hello. I started a pineapple top in march in a glass of water. After a couple of weeks it got roots and I planted it. After a month or so a new shoot started off the side and a few weeks later another started off the opposite side. The top itself didn’t do anything, but it is still green (its lost a couple of leaves only). Now I have 2 shoots (suckers?) that are about 12-14 inches high and doing very well, but the plant is becoming pot bound. My question is when I repot (should I do this now?), should I separate one of the shoots and pot it separately? Also, I’ve never fertilized the plant. Should I start now or wait until spring? Thanks!!

    The best time to replant is in the spring, when the pineapple will be ready to start growing again. Then you can also separate the side shoots and repot them. Fertilize in the spring.

    Comment by Chad — 11/14/2007 @ 10:50 am

  36. I started rooting a crown about a year ago, then potted it a month later. Mid-summer, it sprouted a fruit. Now, the fruit is still smaller than an orange, but has turned yellow-orange. Should I pick the fruit? The plant is less than 24inches in diameter.

    If it smells ripe and looks ripe which I think it is then you should pick it. . A younger plant will produce a smaller the fruit. Mine was the same size and it was the sweetest tasting pineapple I ever had. Enjoy!!

    Comment by Michael — 12/4/2007 @ 11:45 pm

  37. I have a pineapple plant that is nearly 3 yrs. old it hasn’t beared any fruit yet. The bottom leaves are turning brown and yellow as if it is dying. What can I do to keep the other leaves from turning colors. The plant is being keep inside since the temps. have gotten colder. The top of the plant looks healthy right now.

    It may be lack of humidity that is causing some of the leaves to brown and possibly low light conditions indoors. During winter they require less water but they do need moisture. As long as the top of the plant looks good, it should be ok. You can trim the brown end. I have several plants and some have browning lower leaves and others don’t. Same growing conditons-so go figure. Have you tried the apple trick to force it to bloom? Winter (short days and cool nights) is a good time because that is when they naturally start blooming.

    Comment by kimberly — 1/7/2008 @ 10:42 am

  38. My brother got me a pineapple plant for Christmas and it already had two small pineapple fruits, about the size of my fist, growing on it. right after Christmas break a long rainfall came and i couldn’t put the plant out for sun. Now that it is finally clearing up, my pineapple has seemed to start to shrivel and turn brown. so far the tips of the leaves are browning and the fruit are looking a little shrivled. Is there any way to redeem my poor pineapple plant?

    Your pineapple may be overripe and waiting to be picked. Some don’t get too big if grown in a container. Have you been watering your pineapple plant?

    Comment by elle — 1/25/2008 @ 1:58 pm

  39. I PLANTED A PINAPPLE FROM THE CROWN, LAST YEAR, I HAVE A NICE ONE GROWING LOOKS LIKE A DOLE.. MY QUESTION IS THE MAIN PLANT HAS 3 SHOOTS GROWING OFF IT CAN I CUT THEM OFF AND ROOT THEM OR SHOULD I JUST LEAVE THEM

    Hi Lynn

    To replant new shoots you’ll need to wait till they are 1/3-1/2 the size of the Mother plant or when they have developed a small rosette of leaves similar to the mother plant. Cut them at the base with a serrated knife or shears. The pup(shoot) may or may not have any roots. Some sources suggest that the pups should not be removed until it has a root structure. Roots are better but don’t panic if there are none. Spring is a good time to root them. Plant it in a pot of sandy well-drained soil. Don’t overwater. Check for roots in about 2-3 wks.

    Comment by lynn — 3/19/2008 @ 4:56 pm

  40. Where can u buy pineapple plants on the internet or nurseries.

    Look at the above ad that google has for Stokes tropicals.

    Comment by Jerome — 4/12/2008 @ 3:08 am

  41. Hi,
    I got me a pineapple plant today. I live in Palm Springs, California. It is in the 90’s a lot now. Should I keep the pineapple plant indoors, by a bright window?
    Sabrina

    Pineapples are tropical plants, they will enjoy the outdoors. Keep it in a semi-shade for a week and then move it to full sun. Be sure to water it when the soil gets dry

    .

    Comment by Sabrina — 5/2/2008 @ 2:11 am

  42. I have a pineapple plant with a pineapple on it. I live in S. Florida. How do I know when it is time to pick the pineapple? The last one, I waited too long and the squirrels beat me to it.

    Hi Carol
    For best flavor, pick it when it starts turning yellow to orange and has a pineapple fragrance. Once picked it will not ripen any more. Perhaps you can find a way to protect the pineapple from the squirrels. Build a wire cage around the plant so the squirrels won’t get at it. Onr way is to sprinkle baby powder or blood meal on the soil as a repellant. It will have to be reapplied after a rain and I am not sure how effective it will be. There are squirel repellants on the market that may work. Also try a shiny, reflecting object to scare them away.

    Comment by Carol Martin — 5/4/2008 @ 8:49 am

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