About
Ananas comosus var. variegatus (v) is a perennial bromeliad that grows close to the ground, forming compact rosettes of elongated, dark green leaves that can reach lengths of up to 1 meter. Each leaf features a wide cream-colored stripe along its edges and has spiky margins. During the summer months, this plant produces conical inflorescences of purple flowers, accompanied by reddish-yellow bracts. After flowering, it yields vibrant red, edible pineapples that can grow as large as 30 centimeters.
About the genus
Ananas are perennial, ground-dwelling bromeliads characterized by rosettes of lanceolate leaves edged with spines. During the summer months, they bear prominent flowers arranged in compact, cone-shaped clusters, which are succeeded by juicy, edible fruits.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1A
Plant details
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Patio and container plants
- Native to
- Brazil
- Fragrance
- Fruit
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in terrestrial bromeliad compost in full light, low to moderately humidity and no draughts. Water freely when growing and flowering, reduce slightly and add a balanced liquid feed weekly when in fruit, keep barely moist at other times
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Root basal offsets in early summer, or sever the leafy rosette at the top of the fruit, allow it a day or two to callus then root it in a barely-moist mix of peat substitute and sand in indirect light at 21°C
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to scale insects
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free