I bought a pineapple in April 2021 and decided would we not only eat the pineapple, I would try to propagate it! I searched a little online and discovered you can propagate a pineapple plant using the top of the pineapple. Like with many foods, propagation is possible with patience!
Cutting the Top of the Pineapple
I just bought a regular old pineapple from the grocery store. Simply cut the top off, keeping the fronds in tact. Start carefully peeling away the smaller fronds on the bottom of the plant until you make a little nub (as seen above).
If propagating in water, this is what it should look like. Cover the base with water so it can form roots. This is a similar process to propagating house plants. I liked to propagate in a clear glass container and put in a sunny spot. Change the water every few weeks or fill up the water if it gets low.
As mentioned before, I decided to place my pineapple in soil right away so I could take it outside. I thought this gal could use some fun spikey hair! I cut my pineapple on April 28th. It sat in water for two days. This is a photo from April 30th, when I planted in soil and brought outside.
Caring for Your Propagated Pineapple Plant Outdoors
I kept the pineapple plant on this outdoor plant shelf all summer long. She got watered daily or every other day. My plant shelf sits under a covered patio space, so it received partial sun and shade every single day. This photo was taken July 29th, three months after planting. You can see how the fronds are much longer! I told you this takes patience!
About a week ago, I brought the pineapple plant inside. I’m starting to transition some of my plants back indoors. The transformation and growth is so fun to see! Here is a photo from September 17th, just shy of five months of propagating. Now her hair is super long and spikey! I just love it!
Checking the Propagated Pineapple Plant for Roots
After bringing the pineapple plant inside, I took a peek at its roots. Remember, I went from cutting the top off straight to soil, which means it didn’t have any roots. Now look! Five months later, we have a great root system in place! I’m so excited!
Caring for a Propagated Pineapple Plant Indoors
After checking the roots, I gave the soil a good soaking and checked for any bugs. I roughed up the roots a little bit and put it back in the same plastic pot it was in all summer. Make sure you pot has drainage holes so your roots don’t sit in water and get root rot. She’s going to sit on my DIY indoor plant wall and I will water with the rest of my plants about every two weeks.
I don’t expect to get any actual pineapples from the plant! From what I’ve read, that can take years! And the conditions have to be perfect, which I don’t think the midwest is providing! Ha! It’s been a fun experiment though. And who doesn’t love free plants?!
Let me know if you’ve ever tried this! I will have to post some progress photos and updates now that she is living inside. I’m afraid she won’t do as well, but I’ll do my best! XO