How to Care for a Pineapple Ginger Plant
Pineapple ginger plants (Tapeinochilus ananassae) are a member of the Zingiberaceae family and are known for their showy appearance. These low-maintenance plants bloom in shades of reds and yellows and can grow to a height of up to 8 feet. Pineapple ginger plants have blooms that resemble a pineapple, and their dark green foliage spirals up their stalk-like stem, giving them a tropical appearance. Because they require little care, pineapple ginger plants make excellent plants for gardens in USDA Zones 10 and 11.
Plant the pineapple ginger plant in a medium-sized planting container, filled with moisture-retaining potting soil.
Place the planting container in an area that is mostly shaded, and receives little sunlight throughout the day. These plants are usually found growing on the cool, shaded forest floor under the shelter of large trees and underbrush. Try to mimic their natural habitat for best growing results.
- Pineapple ginger plants (Tapeinochilus ananassae) are a member of the Zingiberaceae family and are known for their showy appearance.
- Pineapple ginger plants have blooms that resemble a pineapple, and their dark green foliage spirals up their stalk-like stem, giving them a tropical appearance.
Water the pineapple ginger plant frequently to keep the planting soil constantly moist to the touch. The plant will quickly wither if the soil becomes to dry in between watering sessions. Do not water the plant as much during the winter, the soil will not dry out as quickly during the winter months.
Fertilize the pineapple ginger plant using an all-purpose plant fertilizer, once per week, according to the fertilizers package directions. Dilute the instructed amount by half with clean water.
Care For A Pineapple Plant
Sun, warmth, a little water and regular fertilizer are all it takes to care for a pineapple plant (Ananas comosus), both for the ornamental spiky leaves and the fruits. In U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 11, you can grow this tropical plant outdoors year-round. If the pot has a drip tray, empty it after watering. Make sure the pot has a hole in the bottom for drainage. Once a month, fertilize a pineapple plant with abalanced fertilizer. Use 1/2 tablespoon of a 10-10-10 slow-release formula for a potted pineapple sprinkled onto the soil. Outdoors, water until the top 3 to 4 inches of the soil are moist. Use water as your first line of defense, spraying the insects with a strong jet to dislodge them. Another method is to hand pick mealybugs and scale insects from the leaves, or use a damp paper towel to wipe off mites. Insecticidal soaps are generally suitable for both indoor and outdoor plants. Follow the label instructions as they may vary by brand. Soak garden soil slowly until it is damp 6 inches deep and water a pineapple in a pot until water leaks out the drain holes. **
- Water the pineapple ginger plant frequently to keep the planting soil constantly moist to the touch.
- Sun, warmth, a little water and regular fertilizer are all it takes to care for a pineapple plant (Ananas comosus), both for the ornamental spiky leaves and the fruits.
Related Articles
References
- Backyard Gardener: Tapeinochiloa Ananassae
- National Tropical Botanical Garden: Meet the plants - Tapeinochilos ananassae
- University of Florida IFAS Extension: Ananas Comosus: Pineapple
- Cal's Plant of the Week: Ananas Comosus
- University of Minnesota Extension: Houseplant Pest Control
- University of Florida IFAS Extension: Pineapple Growing in the Florida Home Landscape
Writer Bio
Jason M. Bruner is a freelance writer who has been in the field for more than five years. His content has been previously published on various websites.
