The Complete Guide to Regrowing Pineapple from Kitchen Scraps
Have you ever thought about creating beautiful plants from kitchen scraps? Not only is it a fun and rewarding experience, but it can also lead to having free plants in your home. Pineapple (Ananas comosus) is one such plant that can be regrown from the leafy top that is usually discarded or composted. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of regrowing pineapple from kitchen scraps. Let’s dive in!
Choosing the Perfect Pineapple
The first step in regrowing pineapple from kitchen scraps is selecting a healthy pineapple at the grocery store with attractive, healthy-looking foliage. Once you have your pineapple, slice off the top part about 1/2 inch below the base of the cluster of leaves. The remaining fruit can be enjoyed while you prepare the top for planting.
Trim away the tough outer “skin” of the pineapple top and remove a few of the lowest leaves. Allow the crown to dry in a sunny spot for three to five days. This step is crucial as it helps the moist core tissue to dry out and prevents rotting.
Water Method
You can choose to root the crown in water by inserting toothpicks around the perimeter of the crown and suspending it in water. Alternatively, you can place the crown in a glass container. Place the container in a bright spot with indirect light, and remember to change the water once a week.
Roots should start forming in 2-3 weeks in the water bath. Once the roots are 2-3 inches long, you can transfer the crown into a light soil mix.
Soil Method
For the soil method, use a light soil mix made with perlite or vermiculite and sand. Insert the crown in the soil up to the base of the leaves and place it in bright, indirect light. Ensure that the soil remains moist but not wet. Rooting usually occurs in 6 to 8 weeks.
If you live in zones other than 10 or 11, it is recommended to keep your pineapple plant in a container and bring it indoors before the first frost. Remember to use a soluble houseplant fertilizer to feed the plant once or twice a month during spring and summer and once monthly in fall and winter.
Growing and Maintaining Pineapple Plants
Once your pineapple plant has been successfully rooted, you can choose to keep it indoors as a houseplant year-round or place it outdoors in the yard. Regardless of where it is located, the plant should receive at least six hours of bright light per day and should be allowed to dry out between waterings.
Pineapples are slow-growing plants, and it may take two to three years, if at all, to see blooms. Some experts suggest putting your pineapple plant in a plastic bag with an apple to encourage flowering. If you are lucky enough to get a fruit, harvest it when the outside skin starts changing from brown to yellow.
Parenthetically, be mindful of greedy critters like squirrels who may also have their eye on your pineapple!
The Joy of Growing Pineapple Plants
Growing pineapple plants from kitchen scraps is not only a rewarding experience but also a great conversation starter. Showcase your pineapple plant in your home or yard, and impress your visitors with the story of how it originated from a fruit your family ate a few years ago.
Have you tried regrowing a pineapple plant from a kitchen scrap before? Share your experiences with us in the comments below. And if you are looking to try your hand at growing another tropical plant, consider exploring the world of ginger or check out our article on growing tropical flavor intensives and herbs at home.
Next time you enjoy a pineapple, don’t discard the top – instead, turn it into a beautiful new plant to brighten up your living space. Happy growing!
By following these simple steps, you can easily regrow pineapple from kitchen scraps and enjoy the beauty and satisfaction of growing your own plant. Whether you choose to keep it as a houseplant or plant it outdoors, the process of regrowing pineapple is a fun and educational experience for all ages. Give it a try and watch your pineapple plant thrive!
