The bromeliad family includes the tropical herbaceous perennial pineapple, an exotic and luxurious fruit. The plants have a spread of 3 to 4 feet and a height that reaches around 5 feet. The pineapple is a tropical fruit composed of separate berries that meld together around a core. It contains a lot of antioxidants, manganese, vitamin C, thiamine, and vitamins. Additionally, it helps to improve digestion and strengthen bones and the immune system.
Pineapple trees have thick, fleshy stems with succulent leaves closely arranged in a rosette. Pineapples can be grown as indoor plants in any climate. The plants can be slow to blossom and set fruit, and they can only yield a few edible fruits before their health starts to wane.
See also: Guava tree: Facts, features, maintenance, and benefits
Pineapple tree: Key facts
| Botanical Name | Ananas comosus |
| Common Name | Pineapple, Ananas |
| Family | Bromeliaceae |
| Native Area | South America |
| Size | 3 feet to 6 feet |
| Sun exposure | For at least 6 hours |
| Flower size | 4 to 6 inches |
| Flower colour | Green, purple, pink, white |
Pineapple tree: Physical description
Pineapple plants exhibit distinctive characteristics, featuring elongated leaves arranged in a spiral pattern around a central stem. In their early stages, the leaves measure around 2-8 inches (5-20 cm) in length, gradually extending up to 5 feet (1.5 m) on mature plants. While some varieties possess spines along the leaves, others are spineless. As the plant matures, it can reach a size of 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 m) in both height and width.
The flowering phase of a pineapple plant occurs when it has developed 70-80 leaves. This significant milestone is marked by the emergence of the inflorescence, commonly known as the flower. At this stage, the base of the bloom displays reddish bracts, earning it the name “red heart stage.” The inflorescence itself comprises approximately 50-100 individual flowers, accompanied by up to 150 short leaves.
Pineapple tree: Varieties
There are more than 20 varieties of pineapple trees. Some of the most common and delicious ones include
Queen Pineapple
Australia and South Africa are the two countries that grow Queen Pineapples. It has a small core, is fragrant, and is dark yellow. They are eaten raw and fresh rather than being utilised like canned pineapple. It has a more robust flavour and more juice compared to other varieties.
Source: Pinterest
Pineapple Panare
The Indian tribe that produced the plant in Venezuela gave it the name “Panare.” It is a fruit of average size with long, spiky leaves. It has bright yellow flesh that is orange in colour. It contains a short core, minimal fibre, and a faint scent.
Source: Pinterest
European Jewel Pineapple
European Jewel Pineapples are cylindrical fruits with deep, flat, and rectangular eyes. They have broad, lengthy leaves that are a deep green colour. The fruit has a white exterior and an orange interior.
Source: Pinterest
Red Spanish pineapples
They are primarily found in the Caribbean and feature orange-red skin. You can find them in light yellow with high fibre content.
Source: Pinterest
Pineapple tree: Growing conditions
Before buying or planting a pineapple tree, you must be aware of some of the crucial facts, like:
- Pineapples prefer slightly acidic soils, which are present in most gardens.
- Pineapples require less water. They don’t lose a lot of water through evaporation since their leaves are so robust.
- Pineapples only require a little soil or excellent soil. Belonging to a bromeliad family, pineapples do not have extensive root systems.
- Pineapples receive a large portion of their nourishment and water through their leaves.
- Pineapples require soil that drains freely.
- Even in the hottest regions, pineapples may grow in full sun, but they can thrive in partial shade.
Planting pineapple tree
Follow these methods to grow a pineapple tree in your garden or indoors.
Pineapple tree: How to plant?
Remove the flesh
Make sure to remove all of the fruit flesh if you use tops. The remaining stem must be naked, dry, and clean. The branches of pineapples from stores may have some rot already. If you can, cut it out; if not, use another top. Leave your freshly cleaned top on the bench for a day or two if necessary.
Remove the crown
Cut the crown, or leafy top, from a young, ripe pineapple using a sharp knife. Please remove any remaining fruit pulp, leaving an inch of stem, and allow it to dry in a well-ventilated area for a week.
This is a relatively straightforward approach. Let the pineapple crown sit for at least a few days, and up to a week if required, in a dry place and provide enough time for your pineapple to dry completely.
Plant the stalk
The pineapple plant will establish healthy roots if you completely immerse the bottom of the stem at the crown. Put the crown in a mason jar so its branch can soak but don’t submerge its leaves in water. You’ll see roots starting to emerge from the stem of your pineapple crown if you immerse the stem for a week.
You can plant your pineapple once those roots are longer than a few inches. Then, insert the stem end into a bag of brand-new potting soil. Additionally, get rid of all the tiny bottom leaves. Pull off the bottom leaves if they are minimal or have dead leaves at the bottom.
Pineapple tree: Where to plant?
Because pineapple leaves are so sharp, place them where they may grow without being an annoyance. They look great grown in clusters or as a large border along driveways or walks if you have the space.
Pineapple tree: When to plant?
The ideal growing range for pineapples is between 68 and 86 °F. Wait until the weather is consistently warm in late spring or early summer before planting a pineapple in your garden.
If you want to grow pineapple plants indoors, acclimatise them to the elements gradually first. When it gets colder than 60 degrees, bring potted pineapple plants inside. These tropical fruits develop between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit slowly. A pineapple plant can live in temperatures as low as 28°F.
Pineapple tree: Care tips
Pineapple tree: Watering requirements
Make sure to provide them with limited access to water. Pineapples need relatively little water to flourish. To stop soil from evaporating, mulch it heavily and think about planting pineapples in some shade. However, if there is an excess water supply, make sure to drain the excess water.
Pineapple tree: Fertiliser requirements
Undoubtedly, using natural and organic remedies is the best option. Before planting the pineapple, incorporate compost into the soil and mulch the surrounding area. As mulch and compost decompose, they are in the bottom leaves, where they feed the plant.
Try to avoid applying concentrated artificial fertilisers. You can use liquid fertilisers like seaweed extract or fish emulsion. Use a watering can to spread a dilute solution to the pineapple plant’s surrounding soil.
If you use pelleted manure, make sure some of it gets into the bottom leaves of the pineapple plant by scattering it on the soil very near the plant’s base.
Pineapple tree: Harvesting
You can harvest Pineapples once they have flowered, which takes several months. Pineapples from lesser plants will be more petite, but they’ll still be delicious! When the pineapples are evenly ripe and golden yellow, harvest them.
Pineapple tree: Pollination and fruiting
The fruit formation of pineapples depends on the variety, your climate, how well you take care of them, and how well you take care of them. It can feel like an eternity to grow pineapples from the tops of pineapples you buy at the store. To fruit, shelters need roughly 24 months. Suckers require approximately 18 months, while slips can bear fruit in just one year.
A pineapple often begins to flower as soon as it reaches a specific size, so the happier it is and the better you take care of it, the sooner it will bloom. Cultivating pineapples outside of their natural (tropical) habitat takes longer.
Pineapple tree: Pests and diseases
Pineapple plants are susceptible to various issues that can hinder their growth. One common problem is root rot, which can occur if the plant is exposed to stagnant water. Additionally, diseases such as bacterial heart rot, butt rot, black rot, and white leaf spot may affect pineapples. Other concerns include marbling, mealybug wilt, and Phytophthora heart and root rot. Pests such as nematodes, scales, and mealy bugs can also pose a threat to pineapple plants.
Pineapple tree: Benefits
- Pineapples are strong sources of fibre. The daily required dietary fibre can ease constipation and management of bowel motions.
- Pineapples can support an average blood pressure level. The ratio of potassium to sodium in pineapples is excellent. A potassium-rich diet promotes healthy blood pressure and aids in blood vessel relaxation.
- Pineapples might help maintain brain health. Numerous pineapple nutrients, including potassium, folate, and other antioxidants, are known to affect the nervous system positively.
- In addition to being used as a gargle for sore throats and as a diuretic, pineapple juice is also consumed to hasten labour in pregnant women.
- Coughs and colds can be treated with pineapple. In addition to the vitamin C that helps fight infections, bromelain, a unique enzyme found in pineapples, clears up congestion and mucus accumulation in the sinuses and respiratory tracts.
Pineapple tree: Toxicity
- Unripe pineapple juice can make you violently throw up. A low frequency of negative effects, such as diarrhoea, excessive menstruation, nausea, skin rash, and vomiting, is linked to bromelain consumption.
- Consuming excessive portions of the fruit may cause cheek and mouth swelling.
- If consumed, this plant can be poisonous to dogs, cats, and other animals.
FAQs
How much time does it take a pineapple tree to grow?
A pineapple plant matures and begins to give fruit between the ages of two and three. After that, it can produce fruit one or two more times at intervals of about two years.
What is the lifespan of a pineapple tree?
A pineapple tree lives for about 7-8 years.
How to know if a pineapple is unsafe for consumption?
The pineapple has probably gone rotten and is unsafe to eat if the bottom is mushy, damp, or mouldy. Consider the body as well. If the fruit inside is orange, dark gold, or brown rather than green or yellow, it has likely already begun to rot.
