The pineapple, which is usually grown for consumption, is only partially suitable as a houseplant due to its size. However, there are also more compact growing varieties from the bromeliad family that are sold in stores as decorative ornamental pineapples.
How do I properly care for an ornamental pineapple?
To optimally care for an ornamental pineapple, you should regularly spray the plant with lime-free water, avoid waterlogging, fertilize every two weeks in summer and once a month in winter and place it in a location with direct sun in the morning and evening at temperatures place above 25 degrees Celsius.
How much water does an ornamental pineapple need?
The ornamental pineapple does not tolerate waterlogging, so the soil in the pot should be allowed to dry on the surface between each watering. Since these are tropical plants from Central and South America, high humidity is necessary for strong and he althy growth. Since this is difficult to achieve in a normal living space, the rosette-like leaves of an ornamental pineapple should be sprayed with lime-free water at least every two days.
Should an ornamental pineapple be repotted regularly?
Since the ornamental pineapple grows relatively slowly, it does not necessarily need to be repotted if the plant pot is large enough.
How should an ornamental pineapple be cut?
The ornamental pineapple's life cycle is similar to that of the pineapple grown for consumption and usually dies after flowering and fruiting once. The fruits of an ornamental pineapple can sometimes be unsuitable for consumption, like an unripe pineapple. However, you can cut off the stem of the fruit and divide it for propagation. Sometimes side shoots also form, which can be cut off and planted.
How can the ornamental pineapple be protected from pests?
A winter scale insect infestation on ornamental pineapples can sometimes have the following reasons:
- location too dark
- overdosed fertilization
- a generally weakened plant
What diseases can affect an ornamental pineapple?
In principle, ornamental pineapples are not particularly susceptible to diseases, but care errors such as a substrate that is too wet or cool temperatures can severely affect the plant.
How should the ornamental pineapple be fertilized?
In the summer, the ornamental pineapple can be fertilized every two weeks; in the winter, depending on the light and growth, it should be fertilized a maximum of once a month.
What should be the optimal winter location for an ornamental pineapple?
The non-hardy ornamental pineapple can also cope with slightly less daylight and slightly cooler temperatures in winter. However, fertilization and water supply should also be adapted to the winter conditions on the windowsill.
Tip
If an ornamental pineapple doesn't really thrive, it's often due to an incorrectly chosen location. The ornamental pineapple appreciates direct sunlight in the morning and evening hours. During midday, however, shading should reduce the direct incidence of light. In addition, the temperatures at the location of the ornamental pineapple should not fall below 25 degrees Celsius.