Pineapple Ananas comosus

Pineapple is a member of the pineapple family (Bromeliaceae) native to Central and South America. It is grown in tropical climates around the world.  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 is taken from an aboriginal name for the pineapple. The species epithet means "tufted," referencing the tuft of leaves atop the inflorescence.

Pineapples are tender herbaceous perennials that can grow 2 to 4 feet tall and have spiky, narrow, long leaves that form a tight rosette, like an agave. The plant prefers 68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit temperatures for optimum growth. In more temperate areas, pineapples can be an attractive houseplant grown indoors in potted containers or as an outdoor ornamental plant. As a cultivated ornamental, they require an environment that can be kept at least 65 degrees F, consistently moist acidic soil, bright, indirect sun, and high humidity. 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. The plant is drought tolerant but prone to root rot if kept too wet. It does not tolerate frost, and the fruit is sensitive to sunburn.  

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.

The bromelain content of pineapple fruit aids in protein digestion (and is used in meat tenderizers), but it may cause contact dermatitis in some people or mouth and throat irritation if ingested in large quantities.

Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems:  Pineapple can be affected by wilt and root rot.  Mealybugs, scale, thrips, and nematodes can also be issues.