How to Propagate a Pineapple from a Store-Bought Fruit

There is a special kind of magic in eating a delicious fruit and then growing a whole new plant from the leftovers. Pineapples (Ananas comosus) are one of the easiest and most rewarding kitchen scrap propagation projects you can try.

While it might take a few years to actually grow a new fruit indoors (yes, it requires patience!), the plant itself is a stunning, spiky bromeliad that adds instant tropical vibes to any room. Here is my foolproof method for rooting a pineapple top.

Choosing the Perfect Pineapple

Success starts at the grocery store. When selecting a pineapple, don’t just look at the fruit—look at the leaves.

• Green and Healthy: The leaves should be green and firm, not brown, dry, or grey.
• Check the Center: Tug gently on the innermost leaves. They should hold firm. If they pull out easily, the core might be rotted.
• Ripe but not Overripe: An overripe fruit often has a deteriorating crown.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide

1. Twist off the Crown

Forget the knife for a second. Grab the body of the pineapple with one hand and the leafy top with the other. Twist firmly. The crown should pop right off with a bit of stalk attached. This method leaves most of the fruit flesh behind, which reduces the risk of rotting.

2. Clean Up the Base

Peel off the bottom few layers of leaves. You want to expose about an inch of the bare, white stem. You might even see tiny brown bumps—these are dormant root buds waiting to wake up!

3. The Crucial Step: Dry It Out

This is where most people fail. Do not put it straight into water. Place the crown on a counter in a dry, shaded spot for 2–3 days. This allows the cut end to callous over, preventing rot when you introduce moisture.

4. Rooting in Water

Once the base is dry to the touch:

• Fill a glass or jar with water.
• Place the crown on top so only the bare stem is submerged. The leaves should stay dry.
• Place it in a bright spot, but out of direct scorching sun.
• Change the water every few days.

Tip: In about 2–3 weeks, you’ll see white roots extending into the water. Wait until they are about 3 inches long before planting.

5. Potting Up

Use a fast-draining potting mix. Cactus or succulent mix is perfect because pineapples hate wet feet.

• Plant the rooted crown so the leaves sit just above the soil line.
• Water it in, then place it in the sunniest spot you have. Pineapples love light!

Long-Term Care

Your new pineapple plant is drought-tolerant but loves humidity.

• Watering: Water sparingly. Let the soil dry out between waterings. You can also water the “tank” (the center cup of the leaves) occasionally, as bromeliads absorb water through their leaves.
• Fertilizing: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during spring and summer.

Will I Get a Fruit?

Maybe! It usually takes 2–3 years for a pineapple plant to mature enough to flower. You can sometimes force flowering by placing the plant in a bag with a ripe apple (the ethylene gas triggers blooming).

But honestly? Even without the fruit, the architectural, sword-like foliage is reason enough to give this fun project a try. Next time you make a fruit salad, save that top!