Plant Care Guide Bromeliad Pineapple
What is the Bromeliad Pineapple Plant?
True to its name, the Bromeliad Pineapple Plant is exactly what you might think it would be! This important houseplant is part of an elite group of plants that produces edible fruit as it grows. However, this fruit will grow very gradually, and can take several years in some instances. Native to areas of Latin America, the Bromeliad Pineapple Plant enjoys tropical conditions above all others, but it is still a fairly simple plant to take care of.
Along with the edible fruit that has made the plant famous, its foliage is equally enticing. Generally taking on a green or white-striped appearance, its leaves are waxy with spines along their margins. When taken care of properly, you will have one of the most exotic and entertaining houseplants ever!
Light Care
When grown indoors, the Bromeliad Pineapple Plant enjoys bright light, whether it be direct or indirect. It will take in as much sun as it can get, but still consider keeping an eye on it. If your plant appears to be growing at a slower rate than usual, or its leaves appear “burnt” and discolored, consider finding a new space in your home that allows for light at a greater, less direct distance.
As tends to be the case for many tropical houseplants, the Bromeliad Pineapple Plant can also withstand some lower light environments. That being said, it is unlikely that your plant will grow to its full potential without the natural sunlight that it craves. Avoid placing it in the shade for long periods of time.
Water Care
The Bromeliad Pineapple Plant is a drought-resistant option for your home, allowing a bit of lenience when it comes to establishing a consistent schedule. It is much safer to underwater this plant than to overwater it, which is much more dangerous. Keep its soil moist by watering on a weekly basis, and feel free to adjust this schedule based on the rate at which the soil becomes dried.
In order to determine moisture levels, stick a water meter a few inches into the soil. If you do not own a water meter and still need to check how much water is left, simply place your finger at the same depth in the soil. You should be able to feel the moisture of the soil, and if it feels dry, it is time to water once more.
Food Guide
The Bromeliad Pineapple Plant is not picky when it comes to the type of potting soil that you use. Any commercial potting soil should work well, so long as it drains well to avoid stagnant water pooling around the plant’s roots. To make your soil even more drain-friendly, you can add extra peat moss or perlite to the mix.
While this plant does not always require fertilizer in order to grow, you can still provide it with an occasional boost. During the growing season of the spring and summer months, offer your Bromeliad Pineapple Plant a liquid houseplant fertilizer every 2-4 weeks, diluted to ¼ or ⅛ strength. Do not over fertilize this plant, as this can harm its foliage and fruit-growing abilities.
Staff Holy Grail Pro-Tip:
When it comes to the Bromeliad Pineapple Plant, underwatering is much, much better than overwatering. This plant is highly drought-resistant, meaning that it can withstand less frequent watering without being greatly impacted. Overwatering can easily lead to a number of brutal complications, such as root rot, which ultimately can lead to the plant’s death. For this reason, you should keep a close eye on your plant’s development and lean more toward underwatering than overwatering.
FAQ
Is the Bromeliad Pineapple plant toxic?
While they can cause some irritation when brushed or ingested, the leaves and body of the Bromeliad Pineapple Plant are considered to be non-toxic to both humans and animals. Its fruit, of course, is fully edible.
What’s the ideal temperature?
Temperatures ranging from 60° - 80° F (16° - 27° C) are preferable for this plant, which is designed to withstand warmer spaces. Your home should fit within this range, so all you have to do is avoid placing your plant somewhere that experiences intense fluctuations in temperature, such as near drafty windows or doorways.
What’s the ideal humidity level?
The Bromeliad Pineapple Plant enjoys the humidity levels found in your home, as well as the heightened levels that you might find in a more tropical environment. To offer your plant greater humidity, simply mist its leaves with water from a spray bottle.
