Do you like to eat pineapple? Did you know that it does not come from the typical tropical palm tree, but rather that it is the fruit of a plant? Planting a tropical pineapple to get to enjoy these beautiful plants and their tasty fruits is really very easy. This plant is native to South America and does not need excessive care, although considering its origin, it is not difficult to imagine that it develops better in tropical or temperate climates.
If you want to know how to plant pineapple step by step In more ways than one, don't miss this practical guide from Green Ecologist.
How to plant a potted pineapple - step by step
For plant your own pineapple plant, you only need a pineapple like the one you usually buy in any supermarket.
- Cut or tear off the pineapple crown carefully, with all its leaves and without damaging it. The usual thing is that a very small part of the fruit remains stuck to it. Remove some of its lower leaves to expose the stem, and let it dry for about a week, positioned upside down, so its wounds heal.
- After the week, fill a container with water, and stick 3 or 4 toothpicks in the crown of the pineapple, a few inches above the base, so that they help to hold the pineapple on the edge and with the base of the submerged crown. Don't nail them too much, just enough to keep the stem in place.
- Place the container next to a window with abundant light, or in a bright room but away from direct influence if the sun is very intense where you live. After a few weeks, you should start to see white roots emerging from the base of the stem. Change the water every 48 or 72 hours, and do not expose the plant to extreme temperatures or sudden changes. When the roots are 5 cm or more, it is ready to be planted.
- Prepare a container or pot for your crown with developed roots. Prepare a light substrate with good drainage. A mixture of equal parts of coconut fiber, worm castings and peat is highly recommended. At the bottom of the pot, prepare a bed with coarse gravel to promote drainage and keep holes free.
- Plant the pineapple crown and water spraying water carefully after doing so. Keep it in a place with a stable temperature and that never drops below 18 ºC, with plenty of light. Never let the substrate dry completely, especially if you live in a dry climate.
When it grows and begins to bear fruit you will see it as in this image. It will be convenient that you change the pot for a larger one every so often or that the day comes that you transplant it directly to the ground. Here you can check when and how to transplant a plant.
How to plant a pineapple - by suckers
Another quicker and easier method to get your own pineapple is to take advantage of the shoots that adult pineapples produce. Obviously, for this you need to already have a pineapple plant or know someone who has one, but in return the method is simpler and has a greater chance of success.
The pineapple sprouts They can be separated from the mother plant without problems, although it is usually advisable to leave the first one next to it so that it continues to grow when it dies. Just plant them in a small pot or seedling until they are big enough to transfer to your own. larger pot.
When to plant a tropical pineapple
Pineapples don't get along in the cold, so the ideal season to plant them is when the temperature rises in spring, after the last frosts. In this way, your plant will have all spring and summer to grow and strengthen, being able to face the cold months more developed.
How to care for a tropical pineapple plant - basic care
Main tropical pineapple plant care are:
- It is very important to contribute to the plant enough moisture, but at the same time avoiding flooding, which could be very harmful to it. To achieve this, you will need your substrate to offer very good drainage and that the pot in which you have located has drainage holes. In addition, you should water often but in moderate amounts, so that you provide moisture without drowning the plant.
- Regarding the light, the pineapple appreciates being exposed to direct light in mild climates, or being in semi-shade in very hot climates.
- Unlike other plants, pineapple is grateful to be fertilized regularly even during the cold months. Add fertilizer or organic fertilizer every 15 days throughout the year. Here you can learn how to make homemade organic compost for plants.
- Try not to water the plant with tap water, especially if it is very hard water in your area. If you have no other option, let the water sit overnight before pouring it in.
If you want to read more articles similar to How to plant a pineapple, we recommend that you enter our category of Cultivation and care of plants.
