Ananas Ananas comosus

Pineapple is an herbaceous perennial that is slow-growing and clump-forming and is native to the tropical areas of South America. It features spiky, strap-like leaves, a central spike with tubular flowers, and an ornamental fruit.  After bananas and citrus, pineapples are the 3rd most cultivated tropical fruit. Most pineapple grown for consumption is of the 'Cayenne' or 'Smooth Cayenne' variety. The genus name, Ananas, is derived from a South American Indian name. The specific epithet, comosus, means "with a tuft" and probably references the flowers and fruits that appear in a tuft above the leaves. This plant is a member of the pineapple family (Bromeliaceae).

This plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight, and consistently moist, slightly acidic , well-drained sand or organically rich soil. It is best to allow the soil to dry out between watering. They perform best in moderate to high humidity and warm temperatures between 68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. They are not frost tolerant and must be brought indoors before temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Pineapple is propagated asexually from fruit crown, suckers produced at the base of the plant or plantlets produced on the inflorescence below the flowers. The fruit crown is the top of the pineapple fruit. To grow it, cut it off about an inch below the leaf cluster. Trim away the outer fruit portion and a few of the basal leaves leaving some of the inner core.  Allow the cut end to dry for a week to discourage rotting.  Plant in moist, well-drained soil with bright, indirect light. This is the slowest method of growing a pineapple fruit and can take at least 24 months to flower.

Pineapples grow 3 to 4 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide and has an evergreen basal rosette of stiff, sword-shaped, spiky, narrow, long leaves. The leaves are grayish-green and some forms have variegated leaves. The edges of the leaves are sharp or saw-toothed. The flowers appear on central spike, and they are small, tubular, and lavender to reddish-purple. From 50 to 200 flowers are produced, and they bloom over a period of several weeks. They develop into a syncarp type fruit that grows up to 12 inches long. A single fruit is produced, and then the plant will decline. The pups are produced as a means of propagation. 

In more temperate areas, pineapples can be an attractive houseplant grown indoors in potted containers or as an outdoor ornamental plant. Pineapple has a shallow root system so a 3- to 7-gallon pot is adequate for container growth. A plant has to be large and strong enough before it can flower and fruit. A fruiting-size plant will have at least 25 normal sized leaves, which may take several years to achieve. When not grown in optimal conditions, the fruit produced may not be as large or tasty, but the achievement of producing an edible pineapple at home can be thrilling.

Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems:  Monitor for mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites, and nematodes. Potential diseases include heart rot, black rot, and base rot.  Avoid overwatering, prolonged wet conditions, and poor drainage. Good air circulation and using sterile tools and clean containers will help prevent fungal diseases. Direct sunlight can cause leaf scorch. 

The leaves have sharp edges and can cause injury. The bromelain content of pineapple fruit aids in protein digestion and is used in meat tenderizers, but this same substance may cause contact dermatitis in some people or mouth and throat irritation, particularly, if ingested in large quantities. The plant's fruits, leaves, and sap can be poisonous to humans. Protective gloves should be worn when handling this plant.