Grow pineapple in full sun, in mix that drains. Pineapple is Ananas comosus.
Give it full sun, mix that drains, and water in a dry spell
| Factor | Recommended | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Sun | Full sun outdoors for fruit; the brightest window you have indoors | Do not keep the plant in a dim room if you want fruit |
| Mix | A mix that drains after you water | Do not leave the roots in standing water |
| Water | Water in a dry spell, then let the top of the mix dry a little | Do not keep the mix soggy |
| Feed | A light balanced fertilizer every six to eight weeks while it is growing | Do not dump a heavy dose on a newly planted crown |
Pineapple is a terrestrial bromeliad. It wants a full day of sun and mix that dries a little between waterings. [1] Once the plant is set it can take a missed watering, but soggy mix is the usual cause of root rot. Water in a dry spell, then let the surface dry a little before you water again. [2] Frost kills the leaves. If nights drop toward freezing, keep the plant in a container you can move on Pineapple in Pots. [3] [4] pineapple wants that same sun and drain. Variegated pineapple uses the same water and light, grown for striped leaves. Start a grocery crown on Planting Pineapple.
Does a pineapple plant need full sun?
Yes, if you want fruit. Outdoors give it a full day of sun. Indoors, use the brightest window you have, then move the pot out in frost-free months.
How often should I water a pineapple plant?
Water in a dry spell, then let the top of the mix dry a little. In very sandy mix that may be about once a week. Do not leave the pot standing in water.
Not a pineapple lily — and not pineapple sage or pineapple guava
Pineapple lily is Eucomis, a summer bulb with a tufted flower spike that looks like a tiny pineapple. It is not the fruit plant — see How to Grow Pineapple Lily. Pineapple sage is Salvia elegans, a tender sage grown for pineapple-scented leaves — see How to Grow Sage. Pineapple guava is Acca, a shrub with gray leaves and egg-shaped fruit, not a bromeliad rosette.
Is a pineapple plant the same as a pineapple lily?
No. Pineapple is Ananas comosus, the fruit. Pineapple lily is Eucomis, a hardy-garden bulb with a tufted spike.
If the leaves stay small and pale, move the plant into more sun and let the mix dry a little between waterings.
FAQ
Can I force a pineapple to flower?
Once the plant is large, cool nights can trigger bloom on their own. Some gardeners set a ripe apple in the center for a few days so the gas speeds flowering. Do not force a small plant, because the fruit stays small.
Is variegated pineapple a different plant?
It is still Ananas comosus, grown for cream-striped leaves. Give it the same sun and draining mix. The fruit is often smaller than a grocery pineapple.
Is pineapple an air plant?
No. Pineapple roots in soil. Spanish moss and other air plants are Tillandsia. Care for those on How to Grow Air Plants.
Do the leaves hurt?
Many kinds have sharp edges. Wear gloves when you move a large plant. Juice can irritate skin and a tender mouth, so rinse your hands after you handle a cut fruit.
Related guides
Recommended plants
References
- [1] UF/IFAS Extension -
https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/MG055 - [2] UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions -
https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/edibles/fruits/pineapple/ - [3] NC State Extension Gardener -
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ananas-comosus/ - [4] UC Cooperative Extension Ventura County -
https://ucanr.edu/county/cooperative-extension-ventura-county/growing-pineapple-top
This note is part of Ananas Guides.
More first-season notes by plant are gathered in How to Grow Guides.
Updated: Reviewed by Bosquelle Editors