A pineapple plant can be easily propagated from the leafy top, known as the crown, of a store-bought fruit. This method of asexual reproduction allows a new plant to be grown that is genetically identical to the parent. While the process is simple to start, it is a long-term commitment that demands patience, often taking years before the plant matures enough to produce its own fruit.
Preparing the Crown for Propagation
The first step is carefully removing the crown from the fruit. Grasp the body of the pineapple with one hand and the leafy top with the other, then twist them apart with a steady motion. Alternatively, slice the crown from the fruit using a sharp knife, ensuring to leave about half an inch of pineapple flesh attached. Any remaining soft fruit pulp must be removed to prevent rot by trimming the base until only the hard central core remains.
Once the base is clean, peel away several layers of the lowest leaves to expose the small, brownish root primordia along the stem. After preparation, the crown must undergo a curing process by being set aside in a dry, well-ventilated location away from direct sunlight for several days. This allows the cut surface to dry out and form a protective callus, a hardened layer that prevents fungal and bacterial pathogens from entering the plant when it is placed in the soil.
Planting the Cured Crown
The crown is ready to be planted directly into a suitable growing medium. Planting straight into soil is preferred over water rooting, as it encourages a stronger, more robust root system. The ideal medium should be sandy, well-draining, and slightly acidic (pH 4.5 to 6.5). A commercial mix for cacti or succulents works well, or use standard potting soil blended with perlite or coarse sand to enhance drainage.
The container chosen should be relatively small initially (6- to 8-inch pot) and must have excellent drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Plant the cured crown just deep enough to cover the exposed stem section, ensuring the lowest ring of leaves rests slightly above the soil line. After planting, water the soil thoroughly and place the container in a location that receives bright light but not intense direct sun for the first few weeks.
Ongoing Maintenance and Growth
Pineapple plants thrive best when they receive a substantial amount of light, ideally six or more hours of full sun each day. In non-tropical climates, place the plant in the sunniest possible location, such as a south-facing window, or move it outdoors during the warmest months. The watering schedule should mimic its drought-tolerant nature, requiring the soil to dry out completely between thorough waterings to prevent root rot.
Pineapples can absorb water and nutrients through the base of their leaves, so lightly watering the central cup or rosette is beneficial. They are sensitive to cold, requiring temperatures above 60°F and protection from frost. During the active growing season, the plant benefits from a low-nitrogen, balanced fertilizer applied every six to eight weeks, focusing on foliar application to the leaves as well as the soil. The plant can take 18 to 24 months to reach a size sufficient for flowering.
Techniques for Inducing Fruit Production
Once the plant has reached a mature size (indicated by at least 30 healthy leaves), it is possible to encourage it to flower and fruit. This process, known as forcing, uses the plant hormone ethylene, which naturally triggers flowering in pineapples. The most accessible method involves using a ripe apple, which releases ethylene gas as it decays.
To perform this induction, place a piece of ripe apple or apple core directly into the center of the plant’s leaf rosette. Enclose the entire plant and apple in a clear plastic bag for several days to concentrate the ethylene gas around the foliage. After about a week, remove the bag and the apple, and resume normal care. If successful, a flower spike will begin to form within a month or two, followed by the development of a small fruit that will take approximately six months to ripen.