Step number five

The pineapple plant is tightfisted with water, require only about 20 inches of natural precipitation per year, if well circulated. You need only wet the soil once a week, and when the plant is within, it is best to apply all the water to the soil. When outside, spray the vegetation in addition to wetting the soil so that the cups at the foundation of the stand are filled. It is also important that it never completely dries out. Then again, it must never sit in soggy soil. During its growing season, it will appreciate more water than in the winter months. Fertilize carefully and only about once every month or so during the growing season. If using a solid plant food, scatter it on the surface of the soil and wash it in by watering. A liquid (foliage spray) fertilizer can also be used. Pour the solution into the base of the leaves and on the facade of the soil. Take special care not to pour the solution into the center of the plant as the young leaves may be injured. Follow directions under "small shrubs" given on the label of the products you use.

As house plants, your pineapple will be subject matter to a minimum of pests and diseases if given proper care. The pests most likely to attack your plant are mealy bugs, scale and mites. All can be removed by wash the trees with soapy water, rinsing after with clear water. Or, scatter with an insecticide. Be sure to follow the directions on the label when using insecticides. The only sickness you would likely encounter would be heart rot caused by fungi. In heart rot, the central leaves turn black and are easily pulled out of the plant. When heart rot occurs, the plant can sometimes be saved by heavy a fungicide into the heart (center) of the plant. If this stops the infection, a side shoot will start growing. This shoot will then become your stand and will eventually flower and form a fruit. Or you can remove it and begin a new plant.