Bromeliad Plant Growing Specifications – Ananas comosus ‘Variegatus’

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Care and Culture, Classification, Growing Indoors

This article provides information on the specific growing guidelines for Ananas comosus ‘Variegatus’ bromeliads.

• Light: In the summer, move your bromeliad outdoors to partial sun. In the fall, winter and early spring, a half day of direct light from an east or west window.

• Temperature: In the winter, warm (above 65 degrees F (18 degrees C)). In the summer keep the temp. very warm (up to 85 degrees F (29 degrees C)).

• Fertilizer: From late spring through summer, feed the plant every 2 weeks with liquid plant food mixed at half the normal strength. In the winter, feed monthly.

• Water: In the summer, provide moisture by thoroughly spraying the leaves with water twice weekly. Also water the roots when the top half of the soil becomes dry. In the winter, plants kept indoors need less water due to lower temperatures and less sun. Use similar practices about once a week.

• Soil: Orchid potting mix or African violet soil. This bromeliad needs a heavier soil than most other species.

• Repotting: Repot every 2 years in spring. When repotting, do not press the soil down, as the plant likes a little air around its roots. Wear gloves and long sleeves when handling this spiny plant.

• Longevity: Individual plants live 5 to 6 years.

• Propagation: If the plant produces a fruit, cut off its top when the leaves in the rosette are 4 inches (10 cm) long, allow it to dry for a day, and then pot it in a lightly dampened mixture of peat moss and sand. You also can pot up off-sets that emerge after the parent plant begins to die.

• Selections: You can grow regular pineapple by cutting off the top and rooting it, but the variegated form makes a much more attractive houseplant.

• Display Tips: This plant needs plenty of room and abundant sun. It makes a good floor plant in rooms with large windows, particularly when grown in close company with tropical-looking palms.

For more information about Ananas comosus ‘Variegatus’ bromeliads, check out my post on the Popular Bromeliad Plant – Ananas comosus ‘Variegatus’!