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Conservatory Greenhouse

Ananas comosus (F)

pineapple

A terrestrial bromeliad with dense rosettes of dark green, lance-shaped, evergreen leaves up to 1m long, with spiny margins. In summer it produces cone-like clusters of purple flowers, with reddish-yellow bracts, followed by bright red, edible pineapples up to 30cm long

Other common names
ananas
pina
Synonyms
Ananas porteanus
Ananas ananas
see moreAnanas sativus

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Purple Yellow Green
Autumn Green Red
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1A
Botanical details
Family
Bromeliaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Ananas are evergreen, terrestrial bromeliads with basal rosettes of spiny-margined, lance-shaped leaves. In summer, they produce showy flowers in dense, terminal, cone-like clusters followed by fleshy, edible fruit

Name status

Correct

Plant range
C & S America

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in terrestrial bromeliad compost in full light, low to moderately humidity and no draughts. Water freely when growing and flowering, reduce slightly and add a balanced liquid feed weekly when in fruit, keep barely moist at other times. See bromeliad cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Root basal offsets in early summer, or sever the leafy rosette at the top of the fruit, allow it a day or two to callus then root it in a barely-moist mix of peat, or peat substitute, and sand in indirect light at 21°C

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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