How to Take Care of a Pineapple Plant

Pineapple (scientific name Ananas comosus), belonging to the family Bromeliaceae, is a fruit-bearing herbaceous, perennial plant. Though, it is native to the tropical and subtropical regions, pineapple plant can be grown in temperate climates under the controlled conditions. In modern pineapple cultivation, asphalt-impregnated mulch paper is used by laying over the well-drained soil. The pineapple propagating pieces are then introduced into the soil through the paper. More than 15,000 plants can be fitted per acre of land.

How to Take Care of a Pineapple Plant

Pineapple plants require very low maintenance in comparison to other fruit plants. Hence, growing them is very easy. All you need to do is cut of the upper leafy portion (crown) of the pineapple fruit along with 1-2 inches of the juicy fruit and place it in soil. In order to fasten rooting, you can place the cut portion in water without dipping the leaves. When the roots develop, place the plant in the garden soil or containers, as per your convenience. You can consider growing pineapple in the containers, if the climate in your area is cold. Here are some tips on how to take care of pineapple plants.

Soil
Pineapple plant can grow in any type of soil, provided that it is well-drained and rich in organic nutrients. For early and good harvest, you can plant it in sandy loam soil with good drainage. The pH of the soil should be between 4.5-6.5. In case of soil or pitting mixture with higher pH value, you can mix with sulfur (appropriate amount) in order to achieve the desired acidity. Supplement the soil with farmyard compost or organic fertilizers.

Container
If you are growing pineapple plants in the containers, you can choose a small one (about 8 inch diameter) as pineapple have a shallow root system. Heavy pots like ceramic ones are the best option, as the foliage may cause leaning of the plants in lighter containers.

Light
Pineapple plants grow best in optimum light conditions. In order to insure that the plants receive maximum sunlight, you can plant them in the sunny area of the garden or south direction of the house. They require the sunlight at least for 6 hours for the better growth.

Temperature
Pineapple plants grow well in tropical and subtropical climatic condition. The favorable temperature range is between 60-75 degrees F. For the tropical climatic condition, the plants can be left outdoors throughout the year. Otherwise, protect the pineapple plants from frost.

Watering
Once pineapple plants are planted, irrigate them regularly, preferably once in a week. Make sure that over watering is not done, otherwise it can cause root rotting. Along with this, mist the leaves occasionally. Doing so ensures humidity to the plants.

Fertilizers
Supplement the soil with farmyard compost in spring and summer season, when the pineapple plants are performing at their best. You can add fertilizer once or twice in a month. On the contrary, do not fertilize in fall and winter.

Pest and Diseases
The most common problem with the pineapple plants are mealybugs. Usually, they are spread to the plants by the ants. Hence, controlling the ants is a better option in order to get rid of mealybugs. Other damaging pineapple pests include mites, beetles and nematodes.

Growing pineapple requires lots of patience as the plant bears fruit after 2-3 years of plantation. In the first year, the plant produces green healthy foliages or leaves. The leaves are serrated and grow about 20-70 inch length. In the second year of plantation, the plant produces a flowering stalk that bears fruits later. A pineapple fruit (after emergence) requires about six months to mature. These sequence of events and/or fruit bearing duration may vary depending upon the variety and the growing conditions.