Growing a pineapple from the leafy crown of a store-bought fruit is a popular and straightforward horticultural project. The pineapple, a terrestrial bromeliad, is perfectly adapted to propagate itself this way, making the discarded top an ideal starting point for a new plant. This process is not a quick one, requiring patience and specific care, but it transforms a piece of kitchen scrap into a productive, long-lived houseplant. It is a rewarding endeavor.
Selecting and Preparing the Crown
Selecting a healthy crown is the first step; it should have firm, vibrant green leaves without any signs of pests or disease. Remove the crown by grasping the foliage firmly and twisting it off the fruit body. If slicing the top off, meticulously remove all remaining fruit flesh to prevent rot.
Next, peel away the lower one to two inches of small leaves until small, brownish root primordia (root nubs) are visible on the central stem. This exposed area is where new roots will emerge. Allow the crown to cure for two to three days in a dry, shaded location. Curing lets the cut end dry and seal over, forming a protective callus that significantly reduces the chance of fungal infection and rot.
Initiating Root Growth
The prepared crown can be rooted using water or by planting it directly in soil. Both methods require a warm environment, ideally 80 to 85°F, and bright, indirect light during the rooting phase.
Water Rooting
Water rooting involves placing the exposed stem end into a jar of water, submerging only the base while keeping the leaves dry. Change the water every few days to maintain freshness and oxygenation. Roots typically begin to appear within two to six weeks, growing from the visible root nubs.
Direct Soil Rooting
Direct soil rooting places the cured crown directly into a moist, well-draining potting mix. This method often results in a more robust root system, as the roots develop in the medium where the plant will permanently reside. Once roots are approximately three inches long, or new leaf growth is visible from the center of the crown, the plant is ready for permanent potting.
Establishing the Plant in Soil
The young, rooted plant requires a specific medium to thrive, favoring a sandy, porous, and well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. A commercial cactus or succulent mix works well, or use potting soil blended with perlite or coarse sand to ensure adequate drainage. The initial container should be modest (six- to eight-inch pot) and must have drainage holes to prevent water retention that leads to root rot.
When planting, bury only the rooted stem, keeping the base of the lowest leaves just above the soil line. Water thoroughly and place the pot in full sun, aiming for a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight daily. Pineapples are drought-tolerant once established, so allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is one of the most common causes of failure for the newly planted crown.
Cultivating and Encouraging Fruit Production
Cultivation is a long-term commitment, as a pineapple grown from a crown typically takes 18 months to three years to mature enough to produce fruit. During this time, the plant requires consistent care, including monthly applications of a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season of spring and summer. The plant will need transplanting into progressively larger pots, eventually requiring a container that can accommodate a plant up to three or four feet tall. Pineapples are tropical plants and require warm temperatures, ideally above 60°F, to flourish.
Once the plant has developed at least 30 mature leaves and reached a substantial size (three to five pounds), the grower can induce flowering using ethylene gas. A common home method is to place several apple slices or a banana peel directly into the center of the crown and cover the entire plant loosely with a plastic bag for a week. The ripening fruit releases ethylene gas, which signals the plant to initiate the bloom cycle, leading to fruit production five to seven months later. Commercial growers often use chemical solutions to ensure uniform forcing.