Ornamental Pineapple Plant (Ananas Bromeliads) Indoor Care, Propagation and Growing Problems
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Ornamental Pineapple Plant (Ananas Bromeliad) grows best in very bright light with some direct sunlight, warm and humid conditions and moderately moist, fertile well-drained soils coupled with fortnightly feeding during the growing season.
Ananas species are popular Bromeliad plants varieties which produce a colorful flower-head followed by small aromatic fruits if grown under warm and humid conditions.
Ornamental Pineapples are generally grown for their foliage and beautiful flower-heads. The leaves are sword-shaped and sharp-pointed, growing in a rosette around the stem. They are among the best plants for the front porch or entrance.
Botanical name: Ananas
Family: Bromeliaceae
Origin
Ornamental Pineapples (Ananas Bromeliads) are native to the tropical regions of Central and South America
Size
The Ornamental Pineapple Plant can grow to a height of about 2 ft and about 4 ft wide.
Flower
Ornamental Pineapples will mature at the age of 1-2 years and it is at maturity when they flower. The display of the flower head is due to the presence of long-lasting showy bracts; true flowers are small and short-lived.
Though the Ananas Bromeliads produces a fruit, the fruit may not be edible. Once the flower-head fades, the rosette of leaves begins to die and is replaced by offsets (pups) at the base which grow into new plants.
Varieties
The most popular Ornamental Pineapple variety is Ananas bracteatus striatus commonly called Red Pineapple which bears a red fruit.
Another common variety is Ananas comosus variegatus which bears green and creamy-white stripped leaves and a pinkish-variegated fruit. The ordinary pineapple Ananas comosus may be too large and dull to be grown indoors.
Toxicity
Ornamental Pineapple Plant is non-toxic to humans and pets. The plants are safe to grow indoors. However, the leaves bear short spines which may cause physical injury if handled with bare hands. Always wear gloves when handling the Ornamental Pineapple to prevent injury.
Related: 15 Indoor Plants that are Safe for Cats and Dogs
Where to Buy
If you are looking to acquire Ornamental Pineapples for your collection, they are readily available online on Etsy (Link to Etsy).
Ornamental Pineapple Plant Care Indoors
Ornamental Pineapple Plant (Ananas Bromeliad) requires very bright light with 6-8 hours of direct sunlight, average warmth of 18-270C, moderate humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, rich, well-drained, orchids potting soils coupled with fortnightly feeding during the growing season.
Ornamental Pineapple requires regular pruning of the dead leaves to provide adequate space for the pups growing at the base of the plant. Repotting is only necessary when it outgrows its pot. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.
Watering
Water Ornamental Pineapple Plant liberally during the growing season and allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings to keep the soil moderately moist.
Decrease watering during the cold period to maintain the soil barely moist but do let it dry out completely.
Use only chlorine-free water as it is sensitive to chlorine and other chemicals that may be dissolved in water.
Avoid soggy soil as it can lead to root-rot and eventual death of the plant. Ensure there is good air circulation for Ananas Bromeliads to prevent pests and disease infestation.
Light Requirements
Ornamental Pineapple grows best in very bright light with 6-8 hours of direct sunlight to promote flowering. However, protect it from hot midday sunshine as it may cause scorching of the leaves.
Regularly rotate the pot to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for even growth.
If the natural lighting is not adequate, consider investing in a grow light to supplement it. Check out these full spectrum grow lights on Amazon.
Temperature and Humidity
The best temperature for growing Ornamental Pineapple indoors is an average warmth between 18-270C. Temperatures outside this range will negatively affect growth of the plant.
Ananas Bromeliads require a room humidity of 50-55% to thrive. If the humidity is too low, the plant will respond with brown leaf tips. To increase humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier. Check out these techniques on how to raise humidity for houseplants.
Potting Medium
The best potting medium for Ornamental Pineapple should be rich in organic matter, loose, free-draining bark soil to prevent it from getting soggy while providing the required nutrients. Most orchid potting mixes are ideal for these bromeliads.
Feeding
Feed Ornamental Pineapple with a liquid fertilizer (foliar feed) every 2 weeks during the growing season.
Do not feed during the cold season as growth is minimal and it can lead to fertilizer burn and eventual death of the plant. Learn more on how to feed houseplants.
Repotting
Repot Ornamental Pineapple during the growing season only when it has outgrown its pot. Use a pot 1 size larger as they grow slowly.
Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to avoid getting soggy soil as it can lead to rotting.
Pot the Ananas Bromeliads in a shallow, heavy pot to prevent it from toppling over as it can become top-heavy and provide support to help keep it upright. Check out these Ceramic Pots with Drainage Holes and Saucer on Amazon.
Pruning
Pruning Ornamental Pineapple involves removal of dead leaves to keep the plant neat and tidy and to allow adequate room for the new plants (pups) to grow.
Remove the dead foliage by cutting at the base with a clean, sharp knife or with a sharp, clean pair of pruning scissors.
Propagation
Ornamental Pineapples (Ananas Bromeliads) are propagated from offsets (pups) appearing at the base of the plant.
How to propagate Ornamental Pineapple Plant from offsets (pups)
When the Ornamental Pineapple offset (pup) is several months old or 1/3 to 1/2 the height of mother plant, seperate it from the mother plant.
Ensure the offset (pup) has some roots attached to it. Plant the offset (pup) shallowly in loose, free-draining bark soil.
Pot it in a shallow, heavy pot to prevent it from toppling over as it can become top-heavy.
Place the set up in a warm, brightly-lit place until the new plant is well established after which you can begin routine care.
Make sure that the Ananas Bromeliad is well supported to prevent it from toppling over as it can become top-heavy.
Related: How to Propagate Bromeliads from Pups (Bromeliad Propagation from Pups)
Ornamental Pineapple Plant Problems
Ornamental Pineapple (Ananas Bromeliads) growing problems are brown leaf tips, drooping leaves, leaf patches, plant death, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems, theier remedies and solutions.
Pests
Common pests in Ornamental Pineapple Plant are scales and mealy bugs. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other houseplants and treat it with Neem oil to get rid of the pests.
Plant dying
Ornamental Pineapple Plant dying is caused by two reasons. One reason; if it has flowered, then rotting and death of rosette which bore flower-stalk is natural to give room for the new plants (pups) which grow at the base of the plant.
Remove the dead foliage by cutting at the base with a clean knife or a pair of scissors to create room for the growth of the pups.
The second reason; if the Ananas Bromeliad has not flowered, then root-rot which is enhanced by soggy soil is the cause of its death. Check out this guide on how to treat root-rot disease in houseplants.
Brown leaf tips
Ornamental Pineapple Plant brown leaf tips are due to growing it where the air is too dry (too low humidity) as the plant grows best in a humid environment.
To raise humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier or grow the plant in a bathroom, laundry area, kitchen and other moist areas in the home if the lighting is adequate.
Dark, soft and drooping leaves
Ornamental Pineapple Plant dark, soft and drooping leaves is caused by inadequate light (too low light) as the plant grows best in bright light with some direct sunlight.
Position the Ananas Bromeliad in a brighter spot where it will receive bright light with some direct sunlight or instal a grow light if the natural lighting is not adequate.
Pale, brown leaf patches
Ornamental Pineapple Plant pale, brown leaf patches are sunscorch marks due to exposure of the plant to too hot direct sunlight.
Shield the plant from hot direct sunlight by instaling a light curtain or move it to a shadier spot away from hot direct sunlight.
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