Free Ananas Comosus Variegatus Plants

An attractive plant that is closely related to the wild pineapple, although its fruit does not ripen sufficiently indoors to become edible. The Ananas has very sharp leaftips and edges, so must be positioned well out ofthe way. The bright pink flower head bears tiny blue flowers. To encourage flowering, place under the plant two or three ripe apples and cover the whole with a clear polythene bag. After a few days, the ethylene gas given off by the apples should stimulate the plant to flower and the bag can be removed. After flowering, the Ananas will produce offsets, which can be removed and potted.

Plant type : Flowering bromeliad with erect habit
Season of interest : All year round
Size : 30-60cm (12—24in)
Flower : Tiny, blue, from pink bracts on rosette of leaves produced on 30 -60cm (12—24in) spike, followed by small, pink, inedible fruit 7.5cm (3in) produced at almost any time of year
Leaf : 45-60cm (18—24in), with sharply toothed edge, cream striped with green edges
Temperature : 18-24°C (64 -75°F)
Aspect/Light : Full sun
Humidity : Moderate
Watering : Evenly moisten compost in spring and summer, allowing to dry a little before re-wateFing; keep on drier side in autumn and winter
Feeding : Once every two to three weeks with flowering plant fertilizer in spring and summer
Propagation : Remove rosette from top of fruit or offsets from base of plant and pot in seed and cutting compost at 24°C (75°F) from mid spring to mid summer
Potting : Houseplant potting compost
Problems : Mealy bug. leaves may scorch in places with too much sun
Availability : Occasionally available throughout year
Uses indoors : In or near window in lounge or dining room, but away from people