Are you tempted by the challenge of growing a pineapple plant yourself? The first hurdle on the way to a horticultural masterpiece is to root the exotic plant. We lift the veil over this not-so-mysterious process.

Pineapple plants grow roots in two places

The pineapple plant is not only one of the few bromeliads that thrive in the ground (terrestrial). It also has the rare talent of allowing roots to sprout from the leaf axils of its crown. In this way, the plant assimilates water and nutrients that accumulate in the leaf rosette. Clever hobby gardeners know how to use this attribute when they want to plant a pineapple. Find out the details here.

A tuft of leaves can be rooted in no time at all

For the plan to succeed, you need a fresh, ripe pineapple. Make sure the fruit has not been subjected to refrigeration during transport. These specimens are sold commercially under the name 'flying pineapple'. Examine the leaves closely. Foliage should be lush green with no hint of mold. Proceed as follows:

  • Using a sharp knife, cut off the top of the leaf along with 3 centimeters of flesh
  • Pull off the bottom two or three rows from the leaves arranged in a circle
  • Carefully remove the flesh with a spoon
  • the shoot points on the stalk must not be injured, because this is where the tuft will take root

Lay the stalk out in an airy place to dry for some time. Then fill a glass with lime-free water. In it, insert the tuft of leaves so deeply that the water does not reach the leaves. You can now watch the pineapple rooting at the warm, partially shaded window seat.

Plant skillfully

When the young roots have reached a length of 8-10 centimetres, it is planting time. Fill a pot halfway with lean soil, such as standard soil or cactus soil. A handful of quartz sand (€15.85) or expanded clay (€19.73) creates the desired permeability. Form a fist and create a small hollow. Put the rooted leaf crown in it and fill the substrate up to the lower row of leaves. After watering, place the vessel in a bright location at temperatures of 25 to 30 degrees Celsius.

tips and tricks

The leaf crowns of pineapple plants root even faster if you fill the water glass with willow water. The natural growth hormones contained in it visibly accelerate the process. You can easily make your own willow water from divided, one-year-old willow branches that are poured over with boiling water. Leave for 24 hours and strain.

GTH

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Trees