Looks like a humidity problem. Too much water can lead to root rot and cause the plant to die slowly. Pineapples mostly absorb water through their leaves where it collects near the base. Overwatering in the pot or the leaf base could be the issue.
@Gale
I agree, this looks like overwatering to me. Could be the pot’s not draining enough.
It might be root-bound. Hard to tell from the pic, but it could need a bigger pot.
Taj said:
It might be root-bound. Hard to tell from the pic, but it could need a bigger pot.
@Quincy
If the plant is 2x-3x bigger than the pot, that’s usually a sign it needs a new home. Try up-potting or planting in the ground.
Taj said:
@Quincy
If the plant is 2x-3x bigger than the pot, that’s usually a sign it needs a new home. Try up-potting or planting in the ground.
Actually, pineapples don’t have big root systems and grow in sandy soil. They absorb water from their leaves, not their roots. A big pot can hold too much water and cause issues. Stick to a pot no bigger than 5 gallons—terra cotta is great for airflow.
@Ali
Whoa, didn’t know that! Makes sense now. Thanks for explaining!
Taj said:
@Ali
Whoa, didn’t know that! Makes sense now. Thanks for explaining!
Same here! I’ve got mine in a 1-gallon pot until spring. They’re thriving even in smaller pots.
Taj said:
@Ali
Whoa, didn’t know that! Makes sense now. Thanks for explaining!
Glad it helped! I’ve learned a lot about them growing in greenhouses. Pineapples are tricky but worth it!
Taj said:
@Quincy
If the plant is 2x-3x bigger than the pot, that’s usually a sign it needs a new home. Try up-potting or planting in the ground.
Didn’t know that about pineapples! I’ve seen some in tiny pots online. I’ll try repotting to a slightly bigger one and see how it goes.
Don’t forget iron! Pineapples love iron. Try adding something to the pot.
Ben said:
Don’t forget iron! Pineapples love iron. Try adding something to the pot.
I have chelated iron—should I mix it with water on watering days?
Ben said:
Don’t forget iron! Pineapples love iron. Try adding something to the pot.
I have chelated iron—should I mix it with water on watering days?
You could try that! Or even toss in some old nails lol. I heard they used metal in Hawaii to help with low iron in the soil.
What are your nighttime temps like? Pineapples are sensitive to cold.
Ali said:
What are your nighttime temps like? Pineapples are sensitive to cold.
We’re in a cold front right now, so it’s been dipping into the low 40s. I’ve been bringing the plant inside at night. Normal temps here are mid-50s to 60s.
@Quincy
Sounds like you’re on top of it. Just remember, they hate temps below 50°F. Also, check your soil—pineapples like sandy, well-drained soil and prefer rainwater or low-pH water. Watch out for overwatering this time of year!
@Ali
Thanks for the tips! I use cactus mix soil and terra cotta pots to help with drainage. I’ll look into adding iron and adjusting my watering schedule too.
That pot is tiny—time to plant it in the ground!
Kit said:
That pot is tiny—time to plant it in the ground!
I wish! Apartment living means bigger pots are my only option.