Let’s Make A Pineapple Plant!
Right now, March through June, is “pineapple season” – so enjoy a healthy treat AND treat yourself to a brand-new pretty houseplant!
Select a pineapple that is nice and ripe, that smells good and fruity at the bottom end. Look in between the top leaves – there should be happy little new green leaves there. If not, select a different fruit.
Now for the hard part – slice off the top of the pineapple right where the fruit starts, and eat the pineapple. While you’re at it, check the inner rind for little 1/4″ brown things – those are seeds, and you can plant those and try to grow them too! Once you’ve had your healthy
snack, you’re ready to begin!
Gently peel off the bottom 1/2 inch of leaves from the pineapple. You may see little white roots become exposed – that’s a good thing! Get a little glass, bowl or container with a flat bottom that the pineapple will fit into. You want the water to just cover the bottom
1/2″ you exposed – you don’t want the bottom leaves to touch the water as they will rot and get icky.
Now you just sit the pineapple into the bowl of water, and wait!! New roots should start appearing within a week or two. When your plant has 4-5 good strong roots, it is ready to plant into commercial potting mix in a 4″ pot. Don’t use regular soil, it is too heavy for this new baby to grow in.
Did you know a pineapple is a traditional sign of welcome in a home? Now don’t you feel special, being such a great host/hostess?
Written by: Sheila Talley © 2005
