Pineapples are a motif that is all the rage right now, so why not go all the way and make some real plants from pineapple tops. It only takes a few minutes and you also get to enjoy the pineapple, a healthy way to add sweets to your next party. Truthfully pineapple top plants would make great party centerpieces, especially since you can then make platters of fresh pineapple to serve, and you can let guests take them home as party favors.
What can I say, I'm just crazy about this idea, and was so thrilled when my husband brought home a pineapple whose top was in good condition.......not to mention a pineapple that was grown in Israel! Pineapples here are on the expensive side as well, so getting a little plant out of the deal is certainly wonderful for those of us who fall into the green thumbed plant loving category.
Ready to grow some of your own pineapple top plants, lets get started.......
You'll Need:
- a fresh pineapple with a top that looks healthy and green, not dried out
- soil
- a pot whose diameter is slightly larger than the diameter of the pineapple
How To:
Cut off the top of the pineapple together with about 1/2" of the fruit. Fill the pot with soil and gently push push cut pineapple top into soil such that the fruit portion is covered. Add water such that soil is moist, and keep soil evenly moist until roots form, and after that water as you would any houseplant, just don't let it the soil get too dried out.
Note: I did previously post about doing this by placing the pineapple top in water, but let me tell you, as recommended by a reader who grew up in Hawaii, rooting in soil works so much better is really quite quick, maybe two weeks or so......Enjoy!
Another Note: Don't expect to grow any pineapples with this method, but as your plant grows it may surprise you with a flower sometime. The plant grows from the center, just in case you were wondering, though no idea how large they can get, time will tell!