Planting and gardening can be very fulfilling, especially when they do not break the bank. Pineapples are a delicious healthy fruit and are one of my personal favorites to grow at home. Did you know that you can also grow a pineapple top on water?! It is quite simple and easy, and all you need is a pineapple and a jar full of water. You can root the pineapple top in the jar and it will begin to sprout in no time. Growing a pineapple top on the water is also sustainable, and in this post, we are going to talk about how you can do it too.
Growing a Pineapple Top
Pineapples can be grown both on water and in soil. However, the tops grown in water normally produce more and longer roots as compared to soil. Once you grow a pineapple top on water, you can also take it to the next step and grow a pineapple from it, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
Before you get started, you will need to know the basics. Following these steps will help you learn everything you need to know and grow healthy pineapple tops.
Getting a pineapple
To get a pineapple, you will need to visit any local grocery store and choose a fresh pineapple. Some pineapples are easier to grow than others. Select a pineapple that has attractive foliage with healthy new growths already forming on it. If you are going to grow a pineapple top on water, its leaves are the most important part. Make sure that the leaves are healthy from the center and are also firmly attached to the top. This way you can have a beautiful pineapple rooting top.
- Selected and stored fresh
- Sourced with high quality standards
- Recommended to wash before consuming
- Delicious on their own as a healthy snack or as part of a recipe
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Another important thing to consider while getting your pineapple is whether it is old or fresh. A pineapple that has been laying around for a long time will have also have had more time to decay. For a healthy pineapple top, it would be better to get a pineapple that is not at the best stage for eating and is perhaps a little unripe. With a pineapple, you can get a healthy top and maybe make a smoothy from the pulp if it is not sweet enough.
If you are especially getting a pineapple to sprout out its top, it is best to get a mini pineapple. Remember to inspect the pineapple top for any bugs, which is something you do not want for healthy growth.
Preparing the Pineapple Top For Growing
Once you have your pineapple, it is time to separate the top from the rest of the fruit. It is better to remove the leafy part by twisting it off rather than using a knife. Try not to crush the leaves in the process and do not forget to wear your garden gloves! If you are using a knife, cut off the top half an inch below the leaves.
After the crown is separated, remove some of the lower leaves. Trim off the bottom of the crown/stem until you see root buds. Doing this will help the roots to grow more freely. After the trimming, you should be able to see tiny brown bumps/circles around the perimeter at the bottom. These bumps are the nodes from which roots will sprout. Let the pineapple top dry before your plant it. Wait at least a week for the top to dry completely, this is another good way to prevent rotting.
Rooting the Pineapple Top in Water
After preparing the crown, the next step is the easiest. Simply submerge the top into the jar with water. Place the jar in a location where it is warm and the pineapple top can get plenty of light. Leave the plant be, and only change its water once a week or so. It may not be 3-5 weeks until you will begin to see some results. This is also the best part about growing a pineapple top; you can see the root grow out in real-time!
You will know that the process is working if the roots begin to appear without any trace of fungus or rot. Once you are happy with the results, you can move on to planting!
If your pineapple top does not regrow, do not worry. Some pineapple tops are less susceptible to grow than others. You can always try another pineapple! For most people, it can take a few tries before they are able to grow a pineapple top on water. It is possible (and totally normal) that you will take a few shots before you get the hang of it.
Caring for Your Pineapple Top
Once you have grown your pineapple top on water, taking care of it is not that complicated. However, plating the top does take a considerable amount of time, so if you want to be able to fully enjoy the fruit of your labor, you need to consider its care as important as planting it. If you know some basic tips regarding plants, more specifically pineapples, you will be able to take care of your pineapple top efficiently.
Tropical fruits such as pineapples like lots of light and moisture. Keep your water jar with pineapple top in the sunniest place in your house. It is also important that the corner you choose has enough humidity as pineapples do not thrive in dry environments.
If you cannot provide such conditions, you can always get a humidifier or group plants together to create a mini rainforest. During the warm summer months, your pineapple will love to grow outdoors in a semi-shaded area. However, you should bring it inside before the first frost.
Two Ways of Growing a Pineapple Top in Water
Did you know that people choose to grow their pineapple top on water in two different ways? The common method is to simply suspend the pineapple top in a jar while its base is submerged in water. For that, you can have a variety of glass jars to choose from. It is best to use a glass jar that is narrow and deep. That way the pineapple leaves are propped up while the roots have space to grow. The level of water in the jar should match the base of the pineapple top so that it is dipped inside the water.
- The timeless clear finish of these canning jars looks elegant and rustic in your cupboards, shelves or refrigerator and allows you to easily identify contents.
- MULTIPLE USE: You can use canning jars to store fruits, vegetables, sauces, syrups and other condiments.
- KEEP FRESH: Includes matching regular mouth lids to help seal in freshness and flavor.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The second method is more complicated. Here, you can insert toothpicks around the base of the pineapple top. These toothpicks then rest on the edge of the water jar while holding up the pineapple crown. This method is not only complex but also unnecessary according to some people. However, some people prefer to use the toothpick method for aesthetic purposes. With the toothpicks, you will be able to see the process of root formation more clearly.
How to Grow a Pineapple Top on Water – Final Thoughts
People obsessed with plants and gardening will find that growing a pineapple top in water can be most efficient. Not only is it a great way to utilize the pineapple top, but it can also prove to be an excellent indoor project. Another great part about growing a pineapple top on water is that it is also cost-efficient. With so much misinformation online, finding the right instructions is equally important. Hopefully, through this article, you will have yourself a beautiful houseplant that you can put in a cozy corner of your home!
