Pineapple plant care guide
Are you looking for a show-stopping plant that’s an instant conversation starter? If so, the pineapple plant is one of the best indoor plants for you. Crowned with the cutest mini pineapple, this plant can add tropical flair to any space. And don’t let its size on arrival fool you, the pineapple plant can grow up to 90cm in size.
We think it’ll make the perfect centrepiece for a kitchen, dining room or lounge. And although it looks good enough to eat, it sadly isn’t edible.
Take a look at the pineapple plant guide for everything you need to know to keep your indoor plant happy in its new home!
About the pineapple plant
Native to South America, this plant was brought over to the UK in the 1700s after the edible fruit was discovered by the Spanish. At the time, the pineapple was considered one of the most exciting and exotic fruits in the world, which led to them becoming a status symbol with wealthy aristocrats.
The Wimbledon trophy has a pineapple on the top for that very reason. When the trophy was created, pineapples were all the rage and were only available for the richest in society. Because of the climate, pineapples can’t be grown in the UK, so they had to be imported from abroad and were hard to get your hands on. In turn, they became a symbol of success.
Even today, people still consider pineapples as luxurious, for no real reason other than its history as one of the most sought after plants in the world.
Nowadays, anyone can buy a pineapple plant and enjoy a little bit of luxury in their own home. Want to know how to keep one thriving? We’ve put together this guide to help.
How to look after a pineapple plant
Here's a quick summary of the key steps for caring for a pineapple plant.
Watering: Water once a week, allowing soil to dry out between.
Sunlight Exposure: Needs bright, direct sunlight; best in warm rooms.
Temperature Requirements: Keep in warm areas, ideally above 16 degrees Celsius.
Now, let's dive into the details!
Water weekly (and only a little)
Your pineapple plant loves a good watering in the summer months, but only once a week max. The soil needs to dry out before you water it again, so it should just feel very slightly damp.
Too much water in the soil will cause the pineapple plant to rot. If your plant gets root rot, you’ll need to take it out of its pot, dry it out, brush off the soil and replant. To avoid all that, remember that less is more with this plant.
Let it lounge in the sun all day
The pineapple plant loves bright sunshine, and will thrive in a warm room. Unlike other plants that will wilt and dry out in direct sunlight, this is the pineapple plant’s favourite. They are best suited to rooms like kitchens and conservatories where they get a lot of natural light and can bask in warmth. Be careful though, too much sunshine can scorch their leaves, so keep an eye on how long you leave it in one place. Moving it around is the best option.
Keep it warm
To help your pineapple plant thrive, keep it somewhere toasty. Ideally, they should be put somewhere where it’s always at least 16 degrees. But if you want them to grow to their maximum 90cm height, you’ll want to place it somewhere warmer. In summer this might mean putting your pineapple plant outside, where they will be able to absorb the direct sunlight, and adjust to the cyclical temperatures that are found in nature. When it starts getting colder - or on a really cold and wet summer’s day - be sure to bring your plant back inside.
What are the signs and symptoms of an unhealthy pineapple plant?
The pineapple plant will give you a good idea of when they’re not feeling their best. Knowing what’s wrong and how to make them feel better is key to making sure your plant lasts for years to come. Here are some of the most common problems you’ll see with this plant:
Yellow leaves
Yellow leaves? These are tell-tale signs of overwatering. You’ll harm your pineapple plant by being overly attentive - they’re actually pretty hardy! They prefer to be under-watered than water logged, so try not to overdo it.
Wet soil and blackened base
This plant loves to be dry and warm, and can deal with drought pretty well. If the crown of your plant has started turning black, it’s another sign that you may be overwatering your plant. It’s important you spot this asap because if ignored, your plant will start to rot. To stop this, you’ll need to repot it. So take it out of its current home, making sure you remove any affected roots. Then pop in a new pot full of fresh soil. Hold off watering for a bit because it’ll need to dry out.
Scorched leaves
While the pineapple plant is a sun worshipper, if the leaves on your plant are looking burned then it’s probably been in the sun for too long. Don’t panic though - it’ll just need some time to recover. Move it to a shadier spot and allow it to cool down and revive itself.
Insects and bugs
If you enjoy eating pineapples yourself, you’ll understand why this plant is the ideal snack for bugs, nats and insects. These bugs can damage the leaves of your plant and leave it looking half eaten, so be sure to wipe them off with cotton wool as soon as you see them.
Do I need to repot my pineapple plant?
You won’t need to repot the mother plant, but if you want you can create new plants from offshoots it produces. Pineapple plants usually start growing much more slowly after they produce fruit. But soon, when your pineapple feels very rooted and stable, you might notice that it begins to sprout new leaves from the centre. That means it’s time to repot the new pineapple plant in a small pot.
This is known as propagating and is very easy to do. As the mother plant dies down, it is great to focus on the offshoots and let them flourish in new pots. These can make beautiful gifts and will flower and produce fruit of their own after about 24 months onwards.
Frequently Asked Questions on Pineapple Plants
Q: Is the fruit of my pineapple plant edible?
A: No, the fruits of our indoor pineapple plants are not edible.
Q: How often do pineapple plants bloom?
A: Pineapple plants typically bloom and bear fruit once, usually after 2 to 3 years of growth.
Q: How much water does a pineapple plant need?
A: Water pineapple plants when the top inch of soil is dry, usually every 1 to 2 weeks. Be careful not to overwater to avoid root rot.
Q: Should my pineapple plant be fertilised?
A: Yes, fertilize your pineapple plant weekly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer).
Q: How can I propagate my pineapple plant?
A: Propagate by separating the "pups" from the main plant when they're around 6 inches tall. Let the cut ends dry before planting them in well-draining soil. Care for them like mature plants.
If you want more advice on how to keep your indoor plants healthy, check out our indoor plant care guide, which has been curated by experts.
And for more inspiration, why not browse our amazing range of indoor house plants? Not only will they look great in your home but they make the perfect gift too.