How to Grow Pineapples Indoors

Even though we always associate pineapples with exotic tropical islands, it is quite easy, and a lot of fun, to grow pineapples indoors in a temperate climate, including most of America. They are very hardy once they have taken root and will even bear fruit, although this will take at least a couple of years. They will take up quite a lot of room, you can expect them to reach at least six feet high, but even while they are growing, the leaves will soon be three feet long, requiring a six foot diameter circle. A wall behind the pineapple is fine as the leaves will merely rest on it.

Obviously you will need a good size pot, I would recommend starting with a 10 inch deep pot and re-potting after a year into a 14 or 16 inch pot. Regular potting soil is fine, make sure there is good drainage as the roots will rot in standing water. To start your plant all you need is the top of a pineapple! Cut it off as close to the leaves as possible, you do not need any of the flesh. I generally let the top stand for a couple of days before planting so that any flesh will dry out. All you need do then is to push the top into the soil, it should be less than an inch deep. You should water the plant every other day. Once it has taken root and begun to grow it will survive perfectly well for a week or so without water, so don't think that you have to be in constant attendance. The important part is how you water it. The pineapple tree uses it's leaves as a water gatherer so pour the water along the leaves and into the clump at the center. This acts almost like a cup from which the plant can drink as needed. About once a month you may want to add nutrients to the soil. To do this add plant food to the water, but pour that onto the soil, not the leaves.

Once the plant has taken root new leaves will sprout from the center. Often a new plant will grow as well. If this happens do not separate them, if you want another plant go to the store and start over. Each set of new leaves grows up from the center and as the old ones die they form the trunk. Do not be surprised if it takes a year before you see any noticeable height change, although you will have 3 foot long leaves by that time. In the summer time you can move the plant outside but don't forget to water it especially if you live in a hot, dry zone. As long as it is not exposed to frost the plant will manage well in a wide temperature range. This is great project for the kids and is rewarding as well as being unusual and a good conversation piece.