Growing Pineapple
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?
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.

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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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
Comment by Jessica — 3/1/2005 @ 11:36 am
how long does it take to grow a pineapple?
Comment by bob — 5/5/2005 @ 9:13 am
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?
Comment by Barb — 6/1/2005 @ 7:55 pm
How do you replant the slips/suckers to make new plants?
Comment by Chris McClain — 6/19/2005 @ 9:05 am
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.
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.
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?
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
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!!
Comment by Raya — 10/29/2005 @ 7:14 pm
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?
Comment by john mccraney — 11/22/2005 @ 9:26 am
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.
Comment by Carrie — 12/1/2005 @ 3:17 pm
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?
Comment by jakub — 1/2/2006 @ 7:00 pm
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
Have begun to grow 2 pineapples in pots.One is ok the other one has 6 offshoots growing from it.I live in Australia
Comment by Jan Out — 1/24/2006 @ 10:21 pm
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
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
Comment by william freeh — 2/14/2006 @ 10:20 pm
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
I have a pineapple plant that has a pineapple on it. In the last few days it has turned red. Why would this happen?
Comment by Jewell — 3/9/2006 @ 5:40 pm
What is the appropriate water schedule, through the soil or in the spines
Comment by john — 3/27/2006 @ 11:36 am
How do I remove the fruit when it is ready and not harm the entire plant?
Comment by Jim — 5/15/2006 @ 12:47 pm
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?
Comment by Dave — 6/12/2006 @ 7:39 am
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.
Comment by Hilary — 8/16/2006 @ 2:06 am
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.
Comment by Mary Y. — 8/17/2006 @ 12:41 am
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
Comment by Richard Donoflio — 9/19/2006 @ 8:06 pm
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
Comment by Jared — 10/28/2006 @ 3:09 pm
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?
Comment by Ricky From Oklahoma — 11/6/2006 @ 10:57 pm
What fertilizer are you talking about when used on the pineapple plant?
Comment by Howard — 12/16/2006 @ 11:29 pm
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??
Comment by Danielle — 1/26/2007 @ 7:11 am
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
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!
Comment by Kostya — 6/15/2007 @ 12:49 pm
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.
Comment by Jeremy jerimiah74@yahoo.com — 7/4/2007 @ 6:51 pm
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!
Comment by Mark Mercier — 7/7/2007 @ 8:07 pm
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.
Comment by bob smith — 7/17/2007 @ 4:13 pm
Here in Indiana it has been 50 degrees at night. What is the lowest temp the plants can take?
Comment by Jeremy — 7/24/2007 @ 6:58 pm
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
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
Comment by Kathy Stockton — 8/10/2007 @ 6:02 pm
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.
Comment by aaron — 10/22/2007 @ 9:59 am
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!!
Comment by Chad — 11/14/2007 @ 10:50 am
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.
Comment by Michael — 12/4/2007 @ 11:45 pm
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.
Comment by kimberly — 1/7/2008 @ 10:42 am
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?
Comment by elle — 1/25/2008 @ 1:58 pm
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
Comment by lynn — 3/19/2008 @ 4:56 pm
Where can u buy pineapple plants on the internet or nurseries.
Comment by Jerome — 4/12/2008 @ 3:08 am
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
Comment by Sabrina — 5/2/2008 @ 2:11 am
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.
Comment by Carol Martin — 5/4/2008 @ 8:49 am