Have you ever thought about growing a pineapple at home? This exotic fruit will not only add a tropical vibe to your interior but also delight you with fresh produce. In this article, we will tell you how to plant a pineapple top and care for it.
Preparing to Plant a Pineapple
Choosing a Pineapple Top

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Selecting a Pineapple: The most important thing is to choose the right fruit. You need a ripe and healthy pineapple. Focus on the color of the peel â it should be golden or brownish, not green. Also, pay attention to the leaves: they should be bright green, without signs of wilting.
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Checking Ripeness: Gently pressing on the pineapple peel should show a little give. Avoid pineapples that are too soft or too hard, as this may indicate overripe or underripe fruit.
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Separating the Top: Gently hold the pineapple with one hand and the top with the other. Twist the top until it separates from the fruit. This will help preserve the necessary part of the stem. You can also use a knife for careful separation, leaving a bit of pulp on the stem.
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Preparing the Stem: Remove several lower layers of leaves to expose about 2-3 cm of the stem. This will help the pineapple root better.
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Drying the Top: Let the pineapple top dry in the air for 1-2 days. This will help prevent rot during rooting.
Preparing the Soil
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Choosing the Right Soil: Pineapple prefers light and well-drained soil. Too dense or moist soil can lead to root rot.
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Peat and Sand Mixture: The ideal mix for planting a pineapple is equal parts peat and sand. Peat will provide the necessary nutrients, while sand will ensure good drainage.
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Preparing the Pot: Choose a pot with good drainage. You can place a layer of drainage material, such as expanded clay or small stones, at the bottom of the pot to provide additional drainage.
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Fertilizing: Although pineapple does not require frequent fertilizing, you can add some compost or organic fertilizer to the soil for better growth.
These steps for preparing to plant a pineapple will ensure a good start for your home tropical plant. The main thing is patience and attention to detail, and over time you will be able to enjoy your own pineapple, grown at home.
Pineapple Planting Stages

Preparing the Crown
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Removing Lower Leaves: After separating the crown from the fruit, carefully remove the bottom 2-3 cm of leaves to expose the stem's part. This will help it root better in water or soil.
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Treating the Stem: The exposed stem can be air-dried for a few hours. This prevents the stem from rotting during planting.
Rooting

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Placing in Water: Fill a transparent container with water and place the prepared crown in it, with the exposed part of the stem submerged in water. It's essential not to let the leaves touch the water.
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Changing Water and Observation: Regularly change the water every few days to prevent bacterial growth. In 2-3 weeks, roots should start to appear on the stem.
Potting
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Preparing the Pot: Use a pot with good drainage and fill it with prepared soil mix.
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Planting Pineapple: Once the roots reach a length of approximately 3-5 cm, you can transplant the crown into the pot. Submerge the roots in the soil, gently pack the soil around them, and water lightly.
Caring for Pineapple
Light and Temperature
- Light: Pineapple requires plenty of bright but diffuse light. It's recommended to place the pot near a window with access to sunlight during the day.
- Temperature: The optimal temperature for pineapple is between 25 and 30°C. Avoid drafts and sudden temperature changes.
Watering and Humidity
- Watering: Water the pineapple when the top layer of soil becomes dry. It's essential not to overwater, as it can lead to root rot.
- Humidity: Pineapple prefers high humidity. You can spray the leaves with water, especially in hot weather.
By following these recommendations, you can successfully grow pineapple at home. Patience and careful attention to the plant are crucial, as the pineapple growth process may take some time.