Open your gift, remove the protective wrap, water only if soil is dry. Then, carefully follow the instructions below to grow and enjoy a healthy plant.
Each pineapple bromeliad blooms once with a pineapple flower, typically late spring to early summer. Plants that arrive in the flower bud stage will continue to bloom with proper placement (below). Once the ornamental pineapple begins to fade, remove it, being careful to leave the shoot (pup) intact. Under optimal conditions, this shoot may produce another pineapple.
Pineapple bromeliads are tropical plants that thrive in warm, humid environments with bright light. Display your pineapple bromeliad in a bright sunny window with at least 6 hours of light per day. Daytime temperatures should range between 65 to 95°F, and nighttime temperatures should not drop below 60°F.
Pineapple bromeliads can be moved outdoors in spring when temperatures are consistently above 60°F. Place the plant where it will receive some morning sun but is protected from afternoon rays and return it indoors before the first frost in the fall. The plant will not survive consistent cool temperatures or freezing temperatures.
Water every 1 to 2 weeks using filtered water or water that has set out overnight. Pineapple Bromeliad prefers to dry out somewhat between waterings but should not dry out completely. The soil should be well draining, never soggy.
The plant benefits from extra humidity, especially in high temperatures. When the interior air is dry, place it near other leafy plants, next to an open container of water, or on top of pebbles in a tray filled with water so that the water never touches the bottom of the planter, and mist the leaves regularly. If the plant develops yellowing leaves, it is receiving too much water/moisture. Browning, stunted growth may result from hard water; change to filtered water.
Apply a complete liquid fertilizer every 2 months during fall and winter and every 2 weeks when buds and blooms are present during the growing season.
Jackson & Perkins offers a selection of fertilizer & plant care products. We suggest using AlgoPlus fertilizer for the general health and maintenance of your plant.
Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust.
Pineapple bromeliads are susceptible to mealybugs, scale, spider mites, and ants. So, it’s important to closely inspect your plant once a month, especially the underside of leaves, and if any pests are present, remove them by hand, or gently wash the leaves with highly diluted soapy water and follow with a freshwater rinse.
When your plant has outgrown its current pot, especially if roots are growing out of the drainage holes, transplant in early spring, if possible. With each repotting, increase the pot diameter 1 to 2 inches in size and use fresh, high-quality succulent potting soil. Make sure the root ball remains slightly above the soil level and that your new pot has ample drainage holes so the soil can drain properly.
IMPORTANT: Ornamental plants should not be eaten. Keep away from pets and children.