Professional planting and careful care go hand in hand for pineapples. In order for the exotic bromeliad plant to thrive under your hands, a few factors are important. We have put together what these are for you.
How to care for a pineapple plant?
For optimal care of a pineapple plant, it needs changing soil moisture, regular watering with lime-free water, liquid fertilizer every 14 days during the growing season, and a bright, warm location in winter. Avoid waterlogging and spray the leaves occasionally.
How to water a pineapple plant?
The pineapple plant feels extremely comfortable with changing soil moisture, although the substrate is allowed to dry out a little in between. The tropical plant tolerates waterlogging much less than short-term drought. Preferably use collected rainwater or decalcified tap water for watering. Since a pineapple plant also absorbs moisture through the air, it appreciates a gentle mist every now and then.
When and how is fertilization done?
A pineapple plant only needs a few additional nutrients. Pamper the fruit plant with a dose of liquid fertilizer every 14 days from April to August.
Does the pineapple plant need pruning?
The extravagant habit of a pineapple plant makes any pruning unnecessary. If it takes on a large stature as it grows, it should not be trimmed but repotted.
How does a pineapple plant overwinter?
Although the tropical pineapple does not go into hibernation per se, it at least slows down its metabolism a little during the dark, cold season. How to successfully overwinter the exotic fruit plant:
- on the sunny south window with temperatures around an ideal 20-25 degrees Celsius
- the mercury column must not fall below 16 degrees Celsius
- the radiator under the window sill is not or only minimally active
- only water when the substrate surface has dried
- do not give fertilizer
Due to the dry heating air, maintaining the humidity becomes the focus. Spray the pineapple plant more often with lukewarm, lime-free water. Commercially available humidifiers (€69.00 at Amazon) now work wonders.
What should you pay attention to when repotting?
Repotting is on the agenda when the pineapple plant grows beyond the edge of the pot. A good date for this care measure is early spring, shortly before the new season. In the new planter, place a drainage system made of pottery shards over the bottom opening. Use well-drained, lean substrate and place the pineapple plant in it up to the bottom row of leaves.
Tips & Tricks
Pineapple wilt is considered the most common disease affecting exotic plants. Caused by the pineapple mealybug, the above-ground parts of the plant die. Infected plants are immediately isolated. Spraying with a mix of 15 milliliters of soft soap and spirit, dissolved in 1 liter of water, has proven to be helpful.