Growing a pineapple plant from the leafy top, known as the crown, is an accessible home gardening project. This process utilizes the plant’s natural regenerative abilities to propagate a tropical fruit. The water rooting method allows for clear observation of root development before the plant transitions to soil. This guide details how to transform a pineapple crown into a thriving, fruit-producing plant.
Preparing the Crown for Propagation
Successful propagation begins by removing the crown cleanly from the fruit, ideally by firmly twisting the leafy top away from the main body of the pineapple. If cutting is necessary, ensure all traces of fruit flesh are removed from the base, as remaining sugary material promotes rot and mold in water. Following removal, strip away the lower layers of leaves until one to two inches of the woody stem are exposed. This reveals the small, brownish root primordia, which are the dormant nodes where new roots will emerge.
The most important preparation step is allowing the crown to dry, or cure, for one to three days in a warm, dry spot away from direct sunlight. This period permits the exposed stem tissue to form a protective callus, a hardened layer that seals the plant tissue. Callusing significantly reduces the risk of fungal or bacterial entry, preventing the crown from rotting once placed in water. Without this curing step, the crown is highly susceptible to decay.
Root Development in Water
Once the crown is cured, suspend it in a clear glass container using three or four toothpicks inserted around the stem’s circumference. The toothpicks rest on the rim, holding the crown so only the exposed, calloused stem base is submerged in the water. Fill the container just high enough to cover the base, ensuring the lowest remaining leaves do not become wet.
Place the rooting crown in a location that receives bright, indirect light, maintaining a warm temperature between 68°F and 86°F (20°C and 30°C). Stagnant water quickly harbors bacteria, so the water must be fully replaced every two to three days to maintain a clean environment. Roots typically begin to appear from the exposed nodes after two to four weeks.
Transplanting to Soil
The plant is ready to move from water to soil once the new roots have grown to a length of one to three inches. Roots allowed to grow too long in water often struggle to adapt to the denser soil environment. The new container should be six to eight inches in diameter with ample drainage holes.
Pineapples require a porous, well-draining medium, making a commercial cactus or succulent mix highly suitable. Alternatively, blend standard potting soil with coarse sand or perlite to ensure excellent drainage. Plant the crown so the soil covers the entire root system and the base of the lowest leaves rests just above the soil line. Water lightly after planting and keep the pot in bright, indirect light for the first week before moving it to a sunnier spot.
Long-Term Growth and Fruiting
To thrive, the pineapple plant requires significant light exposure, needing at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. While the plant is drought-tolerant, it grows best with regular watering, allowing the top inch of soil to dry completely between applications. Pineapples are bromeliads that absorb nutrients through their leaves, so apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to both the soil and the foliage during the growing season.
Expect a significant period of vegetative growth before a flower stalk appears, with fruit production typically ranging from 18 months to three years from planting. If a mature plant stalls, flowering can be induced by exposing it to ethylene gas. Placing a ripe apple alongside the plant inside a sealed plastic bag for several days releases this natural gas, which stimulates the plant to begin the reproductive cycle and produce a fruit.