To plant a pineapple top, follow these steps:
- Select a fresh, healthy pineapple and cut off the leafy top about an inch below the leaves.
- Remove the lower and outer leaves at the base of the pineapple top to expose small root buds.
- Allow the pineapple top to dry in a warm, dry place for a few days to prevent rotting.
- Plant the base of the pineapple top in moist, well-draining soil (a mixture with perlite or coarse sand works well) so the base is covered, but leaves remain above soil.
- Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and place the plant in bright, indirect light.
- Optionally, cover the plant with a clear plastic bag to maintain humidity until roots develop (about 6 to 8 weeks).
- Once roots have formed and the plant is strong, transplant it into a larger pot with well-draining soil.
- Water regularly and fertilize every 4 weeks in warm seasons and every 8 weeks in cooler seasons.
- Keep the pineapple plant indoors if you live in a non-tropical region, or move it outside during warm months but bring it in before frost.
Pineapple plants take a long time to mature and fruit, typically 2 to 3 years or more.
