The pineapple plant as a houseplant is a special feature that is decorative for a very long time. The fruit of the ornamental form is smaller than that of the wild pineapple, not edible, and the flesh is not so juicy and sweet. The member of the bromeliad family (Bromeliaceae) is easy to care for and the fruit fascinates for weeks. You can quickly create a special atmosphere with the pineapple and the plant is the ideal gift.

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Worth knowing about the ornamental pineapple

Botanical name: Ananas comosus
Other names: pineapple plant, bromeliad plant, ornamental pineapple, pineapple
Use: flowering houseplant, table decoration, conservatory, bowl plant, gift idea, in summer as a patio plant, decorative leaf plant
Origin: Central and South America
Flowering period: can flower all year round and fruit
Special features: The funnel-shaped calyx acts as a water reservoir and allows the plant to store it. The plant is good for beginners. Pineapple plants grow without much care.

In which location does the pineapple feel most comfortable?

As tropical plants, pineapples comosus need warmth. A bright location and temperatures of 18 to 25 °C are ideal. Make sure that the ambient temperature for the plants never falls below 18°C. A bright window seat without midday sun is ideal, otherwise unsightly burns can occur. Avoid direct sunlight and drafts. If the plant is darker, the durability is reduced, as with many other species. As a decoration, the pineapple can also be darker in the warm place. The decorative pineapple does not really feel at home in dark corners and only serves to beautify the room for a short time. Bathrooms with sufficient light are also well suited as locations, heat and high humidity. From the end of May to the end of September, the exotic fruit can be in a shady spot in the garden or on the balcony.

Fact: Temperatures must not fall below 16 degrees Celsius all year round. The plant also needs the highest possible humidity.

How do I care for my ornamental pineapple?

Pineapple plants are very easy to care for. It is important that there is never waterlogging, as the roots are very sensitive to too much water. The substrate should be loose, permeable, humic and as low in nutrients as possible. Therefore, a mixture of indoor plant soil and orchid soil with a pH of 5.5 is best. Pineapples thrive best in tropical conditions. The best way to create the combination of heat and high humidity is in a heated living room by regularly spraying the leaf rosette with lime-free water using a spray bottle. Pineapples grow comparatively slowly, so repotting is usually not necessary.You can simply cut off dried leaves and dry fruit, no further pineapple care is necessary. Plants often die after flowering, so transplanting is not necessary. The use of fertilizer is also not required. Leave the pineapple comosus in a light spot and with a bit of luck it will put out new leaves.

How do I water my pineapple?

Keep the substrate of your pineapple plant evenly moist and pour fresh water into the funnel of the leaf rosette every three to four days. Make sure that the soil on the surface should dry out between each watering. It is important that there should never be excess water in the saucer or planter. Young plants in particular only need a little water.

Tip: You can spray the pineapple regularly with low-lime water to help.

What pests and diseases can the ornamental pineapple get?

With the right site conditions, the exotic plants are less susceptible to diseases and pests. Avoid blazing sun, as this will result in burns on the leaf. Possible problems can be:

spider mites

The affected leaves have silvery dots on the upper side and webs are visible on the underside of the leaves. It is usually sufficient to spray the plants with water and treat them with plant strengtheners. These bio-active agents contain natural plant extracts that contribute to the vitalization of the plant. An infestation with spider mites occurs particularly at high temperatures and low humidity.

Woolly scale insect

There are white, slightly curved knobs, especially in the leaf axils. The scale insects are safely hidden under these protective shields and are therefore difficult to combat. As soon as you discover the infestation, you should wipe the scale insects off. The pests can be controlled biologically with oil-based agents. It is important that the application is carried out several times.

FAQ — Frequently asked questions about ornamental pineapples

Is the fruit suitable for consumption?

The fruit of the ornamental form is smaller than the otherwise well-known tropical fruit. Despite good care, the fruits usually do not ripen. The plant lover enjoys months of splendor with this ornamental plant instead of the ripe pineapple. Often the pulp is also fibrous and not sweet.

How does pineapple comosus propagate?

The exotic houseplant can be easily propagated by Kindel. New side shoots usually form next to the actual plant. These young plants are suitable for cultivation. Carefully separate the children from the mother plant and plant them in a pot with potting soil or a peat-sand mixture. It is important for the new pineapple plant that it is only watered sparingly and that it is as warm as possible in a bright place. The rosette of leaves at the top of the fruit can also be used for propagation. Separate the tuft of leaves from the pulp and place them in a glass of water for root formation. Alternatively, you can also plant it in potting soil. Under optimal conditions, new roots will form within a few weeks. Make sure that the substrate is evenly moist and never waterlogged.

What does the pineapple flower look like?

The inflorescence grows from the center of the leaf rosette, producing small, mostly violet individual flowers.