Pineapple Plant

The Pineapple Plant (Ananas comosus) is a bushy tropical plant with thick, spiky leaves. It grows a central stalk with an edible pineapple fruit on top. Although the Pineapple may resemble a small palm tree in shape, the plant isn’t a tree or bush but a terrestrial bromeliad. The edible Pineapple plant is also known as Ananas sativus, Bromelia comosa, or Ananas ‘Mi Amigo’.  

Pineapple plants can grow up to 3-4 ft. in height. Native to South America, the Bromeliad Pineapple plant requires a warm and humid environment and can be grown outdoors in hardiness zones 10-11. It takes a Pineapple plant about 3 years to reach maturity and start to bloom (if the conditions are right). It usually lasts for 5 to 7 years. 

The pineapple inflorescence looks like a red or deep pink pineapple fruit, but the actual flowers are tiny, purple blooms hidden in the fold of each spike. Pineapples are easy-to-care-for plants. They love the sun and need plenty of water. Because of their shallow root system, Pineapple plants can grow quickly in a pot. 

While the Pineapple Ananas is considered non-toxic to pets, its unripe fruit can cause mouth, throat, and stomach irritation in pets and small children.

In Chinese culture, pineapples symbolize warm welcome and hospitality and are believed to bring good luck. According to Feng Shui, they attract abundance and promote well-being.