The pineapple, which is usually cultivated for consumption, is only of limited use as a houseplant due to its size. However, there are also varieties from the bromeliad family that grow more compactly and are commercially available as ornamental pineapples.

The ornamental pineapple bears only very small fruits

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 the individual waterings. Since these are tropical plants from Central and South America, high humidity is necessary for vigorous and healthy growth. Since this is difficult to achieve in a normal living room, the leaves of an ornamental pineapple, which are arranged like a rosette, 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 have to be repotted if the plant pot is large enough.

How should an ornamental pineapple be cut?

The ornamental pineapple has a life cycle similar to that of pineapples grown for consumption and usually dies after a single flowering and fruiting period. The fruits of an ornamental pineapple can sometimes be unfit for consumption like an unripe pineapple. However, you can cut off the stalk of the fruit and divide it for propagation. Sometimes side shoots also form, which can be cut off and planted.

How to protect the ornamental pineapple from pests?

A wintry scale insect infestation can sometimes have the following reasons for the ornamental pineapple:

  • too dark location
  • overdosed fertilization
  • a generally weakened plant

What diseases can affect an ornamental pineapple?

Basically, ornamental pineapples are not particularly susceptible to diseases, but care mistakes such as a substrate that is too wet or cool temperatures can severely affect the plant.

How should the ornamental pineapple be fertilized?

In summer, the ornamental pineapple can be fertilized every two weeks, in winter, depending on the incidence of light and growth, it should be fertilized at most once a month.

What should the optimal winter location for an ornamental pineapple be like?

The ornamental pineapple, which is not hardy, can also cope with a little less daylight and slightly cooler temperatures in winter. However, fertilization and water supply should also be adapted to the winter site conditions on the windowsill.

tips

If an ornamental pineapple does not really want to thrive, it is often due to an incorrectly selected 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 the mark of 25 degrees Celsius.

Category:

Indoor plants