The real pineapple from the bromeliad family is not only delicious, but also healthy. While the actual plant is not particularly noticeable, it becomes a real eye-catcher as soon as a fruit forms. Growing and caring for the pineapple is relatively unproblematic and is only cut when the fruit is ripe or when the fruit is ripe. Harvest.
A pineapple plant can be grown in different ways. So it can be drawn from seeds, a tuft of leaves, also called rump, or by children, some of which can form on the mother plant. However, in contrast to other plants, the cultivation of this tropical plant is quite tedious and not always promising, which is why a lot of patience and perseverance are required. The pineapple plant grows comparatively slowly. After flowering, the flower stem thickens, from which the fruit develops.
Location and soil
The optimal location should be warm, bright and sunny all year round, with several hours of sun daily, whereby the blazing midday sun should be avoided, sun in the morning and sun is better Evening hours. The lighter the location, the more intense the color of the leaves. A high level of humidity is an advantage.
The pineapple belongs to the earth bromeliads and prefers a loose, coarse substrate with a pH value of 5. A substrate made of peat and foliage soil that is suitable for bromeliads is ideal equal parts. Instead of peat, compost-based, mineral and lime-free soil can also be used, which is also somewhat crumbly, loose and, above all, well-drained.
Tip: Repotting the pineapple is seldom necessary, usually only when the pot or the substrate is completely rooted.
Watering and fertilizing
- The pineapple plant is watered regularly in summer.
- If possible, only water with lime-free water.
- Do not pour into the leaf rosette, as is usually the case with bromeliads.
- The pineapple is relatively sensitive to this.
- The substrate should be evenly moist.
- It is best to let the top substrate layer dry a little before each watering.
- Drought is just as unfavorable for this plant as too much moisture.
- The pineapple's nutritional requirements are moderate to low.
- Fertilize all year round with a commercially available liquid fertilizer.
- Apply the fertilizer via the irrigation water.
- Fertilize every two weeks from May to September and a little less from October.
Tip: Brown leaf tips on pineapples are usually an indication of a lack of water.
Cutting / harvesting
A pruning in the strict sense of the word is not necessary for the pineapple. Only the fruit needs to ripen
be cut off. It can take 1-4 years for a pineapple to flower for the first time. The fruit develops within 4-8 months and, as it ripens, it changes color more and more yellowish, gives off an ever more intense fragrance and the flesh gives off when pressed with the finger after. Now the pineapple can be cut from the stem with a knife. The remaining rosette of leaves usually dies afterwards, but should not be thrown away, because as it dies it forms small shoots.Tip: Pineapple fruits that ripen in summer are usually more aromatic than those that ripen in winter.
Overwinter
There is not much to consider when wintering pineapples. It should continue to be warm and bright, at room temperatures not below 17 degrees and with a reduced supply of water and nutrients. Due to the dry heating air in winter, it is advisable to spray them regularly with water, which can also counteract pest infestation. Specimens that were in the open should be brought into the house by the beginning of autumn at the latest.
Multiplication
There are the Possibility to propagate the pineapple. There are three different techniques:
- from a tuft of leaves
- by sowing the seeds
- through children that have developed from the mother plant
Pests
In order for the pineapple to do well, it must be regularly checked for pests.
Pineapple gub
The pineapple gullet is the main vector of the so-called pineapple wilt. It can cut off the water supply inside the plant, cause the plant to wither and cause the fruit to rot at the base. The leaves often show streak-like discoloration. Ants are often responsible for the transmission of the pineapple gub because they protect the pest colonies from predators, especially when the pineapple is outdoors. In order to combat this pest effectively, you must
initially the ants were kept away or be fought. Then natural predators such as wood wasps, gall mosquitoes and ladybirds can be used to combat them.Scale insects
A scale insect infestation can be recognized by small, dark, high-arched shields, especially on leaf veins and stems. If the infestation is advanced, the leaves and flowers become stunted, the leaves are discolored and the leaves fall off. If an infestation has been discovered, the affected plants should be isolated from others as soon as possible in order to prevent them from spreading. Suitable systemically acting agents are commercially available in the form of sprays for control. Those who want to do without such agents and rely on biological control can use ladybirds or parasitic wasps against the scale insects and their larvae. Spraying water regularly can help prevent infestation.
Tip: Scale insects should not be scraped off the plant, as they usually sit under the shields larvae that have already hatched, which are then distributed over the plant and thus spread further can.
Spider mites
An infestation with spider mites can be seen on fine white webs, especially in the leaf axils. It is usually the result of insufficient humidity. To combat it, first spray the plant thoroughly with a stronger jet of water. Then you put it dripping wet in a plastic bag, seal it and leave the pineapple in it for 3-4 days. The moist microclimate under the film usually kills the pests.
Conclusion
Growing a pineapple is relatively unproblematic as long as you take a few small things into account. The easiest way to get it is from a tuft of leaves or a child. However, it can take time for rooting and not every attempt is successful. It can also take up to 4 years for a fruit to develop for the first time. But with a little luck, the long wait will be rewarded with a delicious, home-picked pineapple.
