Ornamental Pineapple Plant Indoor Care and Propagation: Ananas Bromeliad Care

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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 feet and about 4 feet 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 varieties are;

• Ananas bracteatus striatus commonly called Red Pineapple which bears a red fruit.


• 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.

Is Ornamental Pineapple Toxic?

Ornamental Pineapple Plant is non-toxic to humans and pets. The plants are among the pet-safe houseplants. However, the leaves bear short spines which may cause physical injury if handled with bare hands. Always wear gloves when handling these plants to prevent injury.

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 care is easy when given the right growing requirements. In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about caring for and propagating Ornamental Pineapple Plants indoors to help them thrive in your home.

Ornamental Pineapples blossom in 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.

Ananas Bromeliad 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 your Ornamental Pineapple Plant liberally during the growing season and allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Keep the soil moderately moist and avoid overwatering as it can result in rotting.

Decrease watering in the cold period to maintain the soil barely moist because growth is minimal at this time. However, do let it dry out completely as it can cause wilting and droopy leaves.

Use only chlorine-free water as it is sensitive to chlorine and other chemicals that may be dissolved in water. Water with room-temperature water as it can reduce vibrancy.

Avoid soggy soil as it can lead to root-rot and eventual death of the plant. Ensure there is good air circulation for your Ananas Bromeliads to discourage pests and diseases infestation.

Light Requirements

Ornamental Pineapples flourish 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.

If the natural lighting is not adequate, consider investing in a grow light to supplement it. Too little light can result in stunted growth.

Regularly rotate the pot to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for a balanced growth.

Temperature and Humidity

The best temperature for Ornamental Pineapples is an average warmth between 18-27⁰C. Temperatures outside this range will negatively affect growth of the plant; reduced growth and wilting leaves.

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 and edges. To increase humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier.

Potting Medium

The best potting medium for Ornamental Pineapples should be rich, 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 your Ornamental Pineapple with a liquid fertilizer (foliar feed) every 2 weeks during the growing season.

Do not feed in the cold season as growth is minimal and it can lead to fertilizer burn which is indicated by reduced growth and brown leaf tips.

Repotting

Repot your Ornamental Pineapple Plant during the growing season only when it has outgrown its pot. Use a pot 1 size larger than the current one as it grows 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. In addition provide support to help keep it upright. Check out these Ceramic Pots with Drainage Holes and Saucer on Amazon.

Pruning

Pruning Ornamental Pineapples 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. Keep in mind that the leaves have sharp spines which can cause injury; wear gloves when handling.

Propagation

Ornamental Pineapple Plant propagation is best done from offsets (pups) appearing at the base of the plant. They can also be propagated from the pineapple top (leafy crown).

Ornamental Pineapple Plant propagation from offsets (pups)

As the plant matures, small baby plants (pups) grow at its base. This is the best propagation method. New roots should appear in 2–4 weeks.

1. 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.


2. Ensure the offset (pup) has some roots attached to it. Plant the offset (pup) shallowly in loose, free-draining bark soil.


3. Pot it in a shallow, heavy pot to prevent it from toppling over as it can become top-heavy.


4. Make sure that the Ananas Bromeliad is well supported to prevent it from toppling over as it can become top-heavy.


5. Place the set up in a warm, brightly-lit place until the new plant is well established after which you can begin routine care.

Ornamental Pineapple Plant propagation from leafy crown

The Pineapple leafy crown can be rooted either in water or in soil. Rooting occurs in 3–6 week.

How to prepare the leafy crown;

1. Cut off the crown (leafy top) of the fruit.


2. Remove a few lower leaves to expose the base.


3. Let it dry for 1–2 days to prevent rotting.


4. Once dry, root the crown in water or soil.

Rooting Pineapple leafy crown in water

1. Submerge the base of the crown in a jar of water. Change the water every 5-7 days.


2. Position the set up in bright, indirect light and wait for roots to develops.


3. Transfer the plant to moist, well-draining soil once the roots are 2 inches long.


4. Keep the soil slightly moist until the plant is well established.


5. Once the new plant is well established you may begin routine care.

Rooting Pineapple leafy crown in soil

1. Plant directly in moist, well-draining soil.


2. Place the set up in bright, indirect light and wait for roots to develops.


3. Maintain the soil slightly moist until the plant is well established.


4. When the new plant is well established you can begin normal routine care.

Related: How to Propagate Bromeliads from Pups (Bromeliad Propagation from Pups)

Ornamental Pineapple Plant Problems

Ornamental Pineapples (Ananas Bromeliads) common problem are yellow leaves, 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 plants and treat it with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Make sure to follow the manufacturers directions.

Plant dying

Ornamental Pineapple Plant is dying due to two possible reasons. First possible 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 possible reason; if it has not flowered, then root-rot which is enhanced by soggy soil. Ensure that the soil is free-draining and the pot has a drainage hole to avoid getting soggy soil.

Yellow leaves

The main cause of yellow leaves in Ornamental Pineapples is overwatering or soggy soil. Let soil dry out before watering again and ensure that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is well-draining.

Brown leaf tips

Brown leaf tips in Ornamental Pineapple Plant are due to low humidity. To raise humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier. You may also grow the plant in a well-lit bathroom, laundry area, kitchen and other moist areas in the home.

Dark, soft and drooping leaves

Ornamental Pineapple Plant dark, soft and drooping leaves is caused by low light. Position the plantd 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

Pale, brown leaf patches in an Ornamental Pineapple Plant 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.

Conclusion

Ornamental Pineapple Plants (Ananas Bromeliads) are stunning, low-maintenance houseplants that add a tropical touch to any indoor space. With the right care, they will reward you with beautiful foliage and even decorative pineapples.

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