Pineapples grow well in warm climates, as they are indigenous to South America. Cold weather, 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, can damage or freeze the plant. Pineapples are grown as a commercial crop in Hawaii, but develop in different areas in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 though 11, and indoors in cooler climates. To develop well, pineapples have certain soil requirements.
The very best Soil
Pineapples need well-drained soil since it is impossible for them to withstand a waterlogged growing medium. Because of this, the ideal soil for growing pineapples is a sandy loam, since mud allows for fast isolating, or water movement, through the soil. Even though pineapples dislike waterlogged soil, they’re drought-tolerant, but need even moisture for proper fruit growth. Pineapples generally need about 1 inch of water per week, through rainfall or supplemental watering.
Soil for Indoor Pineapples
Pineapples grown indoors desire a potting mix of light, sandy loam as well. It is possible to use a potting mix containing two parts humus, 1 part sand and 2 parts soil. Because drainage is essential for pineapple development, the ideal container is also important. Clay containers are a fantastic alternative for growing pineapples. The container must have drainage holes and a layer of pebbles or shards of clay pot on the bottom to help with proper drainage.
Other Soil Requirements
Pineapples need a neutral to mildly acidic pH, ranging from 4.5 to 6.5. Soils that are too alkaline require a sulfur therapy to reduce the pH. The plants need nitrogen to get proper fruit growth, so you need to feed the pineapple with a balanced fertilizer every two to three months. For indoor pineapples, feed plants using a foliar spray fertilizer twice a month during the active growth period. Throughout winter, when growth slows, only feed crops once a month.
Water for Pineapple Rooting
When spreading pineapples, you can use water to root the pineapple top. Remove the top of a pineapple that has a healthy, leafy shirt, cutting about 1/2 inch under the leaf clusters. Then, cut away the outer part of the pineapple top’s flesh, which leaves the leafy shirt and a stringy core. Remove all of the leaves except for five to 10 of the largest leaves. Using toothpicks, place the top into a glass of water to root — approximately 1/2 inch deep.