Interested in something unusual?. Try growing a pineapple plant!!!. Pineapples are one of those plants that truly need minimal care. Ornamental and tasty, what more could you ask for?. Simply follow the instructions provided below to be on the road to success!.
 
PineApple Growing Tips:
 
Best time to plant: Anytime night temperatures are at least 50F and expected to rise in the next month or so. This is going to be mid to late spring for most people. Do not plant close to winter.
 
Sun: Full sun until about 95F-100F. Shade it at higher temperatures. Do not plant or keep in full shade if you want your plant to actually flower. If kept indoors, give it as much light as possible. If your plant doesn't get enough light, the leaves tend to get bigger and look more ornamental but it won't flower.
 
Winter: Frost sensitive, cold hardy to mid 20f's.
 
Root system: Shallow, fibrous roots. 
 
Growth structure: This is naturally a shrub. Pineapple grows up to about 2-3ft tall.
 
Fruiting: Your plant will only flower once it reaches maturity. In ground, this can take up to 2 years or so providing the plant grows undisturbed and enough light is provided. If your plant doesn't get enough light, it may take even longer or it may never flower. Keep this in mind when growing your plant indoors.
 
Watering: Water your pineapple just like you would a cactus. If kept wet, they will rot and die. Let soil dry 100% in between watering. If your soil is taking over a week to dry in between watering, you will need to fix your drainage. It will grow fine during the growing season but once winter comes, it will rot due to the soil staying wet for too long. Main killer of pineapples is over watering.
 
Fertilization: In containers, any slow release fertilizer will work. Since pineapple plants hold water like a cactus, they also retain nutrients. This is why you don't need to fertilize them often. At our nursery, we fertilize them once a year. If your plant is in ground, compost with a layer of mulch around your plant is all it will ever need. Keep the mulch away from your plant as it may cause rot if placed right against your plant.
 
Container Growing: Pineapple plants do well in containers long term due to their slow growth and type of root system. Make sure to use a well draining potting mix and never pot a small plant in a huge pot. Always up-pot in increments and only when your plant needs it. We have some videos on this topic on our youtube channel for more info.
 
Personal Growing Tip: Main killer of pineapple is water. If you don't let your pineapple dry in between watering especially during the winter, it will rot and die. This doesn't happen overnight, it usually takes a few months. If your pineapple is several years old and it still won't flower, this means your plant doesn't have enough light (energy) to do so. Increase lighting and give your plant 6 months to a year before you see any changes.