How to Grow an Indoor Pineapple Tropical Plant

Growing a plant from the core of a pineapple is easy. This tropical plant quickly develops roots and continues to grow into an impressive houseplant. With proper care and adequate light, your pineapple plant will produce edible fruit within two to three years. Although this may seem like a long time to wait, the process from rooting the core to fruit production provides an interesting houseplant and is ideal for teaching children about fruit production and plant growth.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pineapple
• Bromeliad or cactus potting soil
• 6 inch plant pot
• Houseplant fertilizer
• Knife

1. Select a firm healthy pineapple that is partially green. Yellow or browning pineapple may be too mature to set roots and may rot. Examine the pineapple for any signs of insect damage or soft spots.

2. Slice the top off the pineapple leaving an inch or two of the fruit. Carefully remove the flesh until you see tiny root buds extending from the core. These will look like white dots or buds.

3. Remove bottom leaves to expose approximately 1 inch of the core. When planted, the leaves will rot and may prevent your pineapple from growing. Removing the leaves puts the core in contact with the soil and encourages root formation.

4. Plant in cactus or bromeliad potting soil and keep evenly moist until the pineapple takes root. Place in a sunny window. Use care not to over water as it will rot in soggy soil. Check for root formation after several weeks by gently tugging on the top. If roots have formed it will resist your efforts.

5. Watch for new leaf growth from the center of the pineapple. Remove dying leaves from the original plant as they wither.

6. Water once a week to moisten the soil and allow it to dry between waterings, once the plant has established roots and shows signs of new growth.

7. Fertilize with plant fertilizer every two to three months and keep at a temperature above 65 degrees to prevent the plant from going dormant.

[thimbletack]

on 9/3/2009 great article, i'd like to try this