Pineapple Ananas comosus

Pineapple is grown in tropical climates where the best fruit production is achieved.  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.    

Pineapples are short-lived perennial monocots that can grow 2-4’ tall and have spiky, thick long leaves that form a tight rosette.  The plant prefers 68-86 degree 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 but require an environment that can be kept at least 65 degrees, consistently moist acidic soil, bright, indirect sun, and high humidity. Pineapple has a shallow root system so a 3-7 gallon pot is adequate for container growth.

At least 25 normal sized leaves are needed to flower and produce fruit which may take several years to achieve. When not grown in optimal conditions, the fruit produced may not be as large or tasty.  The plant is drought tolerant but prone to root rot if kept too wet.  Does not tolerate frost and the fruit is sensitive to sunburn.  

Pineapple is propagated asexually from fruit crown, suckers, slips, or hapas.

• Fruit crown is the top of the pineapple fruit.  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 wound moisture to dry up 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 but the preferred method in Hawaii.
• Suckers grow between the leaves of a mature pineapple plant. These can be pulled or snapped off, air-dried, and planted.
• Slips are similar to suckers but they grow out and then curve upward from the fruit stalk at the base of the fruit.  The popular variety ‘Smooth Cayenne’ produces few if any slips. These can be easily pulled off the plant, air-dried, and planted.
• Hapas are straighter than slips at the base of the peduncle. These can be easily pulled off the plant, air-dried, and planted.

Bromelain content of pineapple fruit aids digestion but 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.