Ananas comosus ‘Variegatus’
Ivory Pineapple Plant
Ananas comosus (also known as the Ivory Pineapple and
Variegated Pineapple) is grown for its long green leaves vertically
striped with ivory along the leaf margins studded with sharp (sometime
pink tinted) spines.
When planted in the ground, the
ivory pineapple plant can grow up to 36 in/90cm tall and 6 ft/1.8 m
across. Size can be contained by planting them in 8 in/20 cm
pots.
Pineapple plants that are 5 – 6 years old produce
a pink fruiting spike that grows into a small brown pineapple over a
period of 3 months. The fruit does not have the sweet flavor
of
cultivated pineapples.
Ananas comosus
‘Variegatus’ (Pineapple Plant) Care Tips
Lighting Requirements
In the summer, move pineapple plants outdoors to a location that

receives partial sun. From fall through early spring make
sure
these bromeliads are in a location that receives a half day of direct
light.
Temperature Requirements
In the summer, temperature should be at least 85° F / 29° C. During
winter ideal temperature is above 65° F / 18° C.
Fertilizer
From
late spring through the summer, feed plant every two weeks with liquid
plant food diluted to ½ the normal strength. Feed monthly in
the
winter season.
Water
In
the summer, spray the leaves with water twice weekly to provide
moisture. Also, water the roots when the top half of the soil becomes
dry.
In the winter, plants displayed indoors will need less
water due to less sun exposure and lower temperatures. Reduce
watering to approximately once a week.
Soil
Use an orchid potting mix or an African Violet soil. This bromeliad
plant requires a heavier potting soil than other species.
Propogation
When
the plant produces a fruit, cut off the top (the rosette leaves need to
be 4 in / 10 cm long). Allow it to dry for twenty-four hours. Rosette
should be planted a dampened mixture of peat moss and sand, and covered
with a plastic bag until rooted. It can then be planted in a larger
pot. Offsets that appear after the parent plant begins to die
can
be propagated as well.
Repotting
Repot
this plant every two years in the spring. When repotting, do not pack
the soil down. Ananas comosus likes are to circulate around its
roots. It is a good idea to wear gloves and long sleeves for
protection when handling this spiny plant.
Longetivity
Individual plants can live five to six years.
Selection
Although you can grow a pineapple by cutting of the top and rooting it,
this bromeliad makes a very attractive houseplant.
Uses and Display Tips
These plants need lots of room and plenty of sun. An ideal location is
on the floor of a large room with lots of windows.