Plant guide

Pineapple.

Ananas comosus

Pronounced uh-NAY-nus ko-MO-sus

Also known as Pineapple

The pineapple is a tropical bromeliad that grows a delicious fruit from its center. It brings a fun, exotic vibe to any sunny indoor space. You can even grow a new plant from the leafy top of a store bought fruit.

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Bromeliad
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 3 to 5 feet tall
Growth rate: Slow

Care

Keep your plant in the sunniest spot you have to encourage fruit production. Let the soil dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. Watch for yellowing leaves, which often signal that the plant is getting too much water or not enough light.

Watering: Water when the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
Feeding: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.
Pruning: Trim away dead or damaged lower leaves as needed to keep the plant tidy.
Repotting: Repot only when the plant becomes root bound or top heavy.
Soil: Well draining, sandy potting mix
Soil pH: 4.5 to 6.5

Safety

Pets: This plant is generally considered non toxic to cats and dogs, though the sharp leaves can cause physical irritation.

How to identify it

Long, spiky, sword shaped leaves
Leaves have serrated, sharp edges
Central rosette growth pattern
Produces a single edible fruit

Science

Family: Bromeliaceae
Genus: Ananas
Order: Poales
Class: Liliopsida

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Is your pineapple looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.