Care ornamental pineapple – interesting facts about the low-maintenance houseplant.
The pineapple plant as a houseplant is a specialty that is decorative for a very long time. The fruit of the ornamental form is smaller than that of the wild pineapple, not edible and the flesh is not so juicy and sweet. The member of the bromeliad family (Bromeliaceae) is easy to care for, and the fruit fascinates for weeks. Quickly achieve a special atmosphere with the pineapple and the plant is the ideal gift.

In what location does the pineapple feel most comfortable?

As tropical plants, pineapples comosus require warmth. A bright location and temperatures of 18 to 25 °C are optimal. Make sure that the ambient temperature for the plants never falls below 18 °C. A bright window location without midday sun is ideal, otherwise unsightly burns will occur. Avoid direct sunlight and drafts. If the plant stands darker, the shelf life is reduced, as with many other species. As a decoration, the pineapple can stand darker in a warm place. In dark corners, the ornamental pineapple does not really feel comfortable and serves only for a short time to beautify the room. Well suited as a location are also bathrooms with sufficient light, heat and high humidity. From the end of May to the end of September, the exotic fruit can be placed in a shady place in the garden or on the balcony.

Fact of knowledge: temperatures must not fall below 16 degrees Celsius throughout the year. Further, the plant requires the highest possible humidity.

How do I care for my ornamental pineapple?

Pineapple plants are very undemanding in care. It is important that there is never waterlogging, as the roots are very sensitive to too much water. The substrate should be loose, permeable, humus-rich and as low in nutrients as possible. Therefore, a mixture of houseplant soil and orchid soil with a pH value of 5.5 is best suited. Pineapples thrive optimally in tropical conditions. The combination of warmth and high humidity is best achieved in a heated living room by regularly spraying the leaf rosette with a spray bottle containing lime-free water. Pineapples grow comparatively slowly, so repotting is usually not necessary. You can simply cut off withered leaves and dry fruit, and no further pineapple care is necessary. Often the plants die after flowering, so transplanting is not necessary. The use of fertilizer is also not necessary. Leave the pineapple comosus in a bright location and with luck it will sprout new leaves.

How do I water my pineapple?

Keep the substrate of your pineapple plant evenly moist and pour fresh water into the funnel of the leaf rosette every three to four days. Make sure that the soil on the surface should dry out between waterings. It is important that there should be no excess water in the saucer or planter at any time. Young plants in particular require only a little water.

Tip: As a supportive measure, you can regularly spray the pineapple with low-lime water.

What pests and diseases can the ornamental pineapple get?

With proper site conditions, the exotic plants are not very susceptible to diseases and pests. Avoid blazing sun, as leaf burns will result. Possible problems may include:

Spider mites

Infested leaves have silvery spots on the top and webs are visible on the underside of the leaves. Usually it is enough to rinse the plants with water and treat them with plant strengtheners. These Bio Aktiv remedies contain natural plant extracts that help to vitalize the plant. Infestation with spider mites occurs especially at high temperatures and too low humidity.

Woolly cup scale

There are white, slightly curved bumps, especially in the leaf axils. The scale insects are safely hidden under these shields, making them difficult to control. As soon as you discover the infestation, you should wipe off the scale insects. Biologically, the pests can be controlled with agents containing oil. It is important here that the application is made several times.