- 1). Twist the top leaves off a pineapple. Simply hold the leaves in one hand and the bottom of the pineapple in your other hand. Give the leaves a twist and quick yank at the same time. The leaves and a small stalk should pull away from the pineapple, says Bromeliad Society International (BSI).
- 2). Remove the bottom leaves from the pineapple top, by pinching them off with your fingers, exposing at least 1 inch of stalk. Take note of the tiny, brown bumps on the stalk. These are the beginnings of roots, which will begin to grow after planting the pineapple top.
- 3). Root the pineapple top in an 8 oz. glass of water. Fill the glass three-quarters full with water, allowing only the stalk to sit in the water during the rooting. Change the water every three to four days and you will notice pineapple root growth within two to three weeks.
- 4). Layer the bottom of an 8-inch pot with an inch of pea gravel to improve drainage. Add a layer of organic potting soil over the pea gravel, filling the pot three-quarters full. Organic potting soil is lighter than ordinary potting soil, giving the roots of the pineapple plenty of room for expansion.
- 5). Plant the pineapple stalk in the center of the pot, leaves above the soil line. Water the soil generously, allowing the water to flow through the soil and out the drainage holes. Keep the soil moist throughout the growing process. Proper drainage is important to avoid root rot, according to BSI.
- 6). Set the pot in a sunny window or other location that receives at least six to eight hours of bright, indirect sunlight. You should begin to see signs of new growth within a few months. Transplant the pineapple plant into a larger pot when it outgrows its present pot, which should occur in approximately one year.
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