Question
I just bought this plant yesterday. The lady said to replant it in a bigger pot. I bought the miracle grow potting soil with the fertilizer for 3 months. It has a pineapple growing on it now and a few more that are still small. She says to keep it in a pot and move inside during the winter. On the little tag that came with the plant it says you can plant this plant in the ground. I don't know if I can or not. Please help me. I don't know if it needs sun or partial shade or just shade. It says to water only 2 times a week. Any advise would really be appreciated.

thank you
Vicki

Answer
First things first.  In case anyone is picturing BANANAS AND PINEAPPLES here, let's make sure they understand that the Pineapple Plant is 'Ananas comosus' to Botanists.

Good.  Now that's out of the way.

Vicki, where do you live? If it's cold, you have to grow it indoors.  If you live in Florida, you'll be able to plant it outside -- maybe.  Give me your Zipcode or nearest city and I can give you better information.

And while you're doing that, let's talk a little about this plant.

It's an EASY plant, Vicki.  No panic button needed.  It's a little intimidating because it's a Bromeliad -- tropical rainforest plant that genetically developed it's weird shape and growth to survive in the misty, warm, wet weather of the Amazon Jungle and the Hawaiian Islands.  Once you learn how to grow this, you're going to laugh at how easy it is!

Look here at the Plant of the Week website, one of my favorite websites because it always has such nice photos of the plants they describe, and they are so clear and helpful:

http://www.plantoftheweek.org/week119.shtml

Can you grow it outside?  Pineapple Plants turn DOA at temps below 28 degrees F.  In fact, temps below 60 degrees F -- or higher than 90 degrees F -- will trigger a semi-dormant state with very slow growth.  Best temps for this plant is between 68 and 86 degrees F.  

Like most Bromeliads, this plant will survive an occasional dry spell.  It does best with full sun and warmth.  When it's a year or two old, you can get it to flower.  Follow the instructions for 'Forcing (Flowering)' at the University of Florida Extension website:

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/MG055

Watering is the trickiest part of growing these.  Don't overdo it, but don't expect it to endure regular droughts.  Tell me where you live and we'll go over your options and the best planting choice for you.  Thanks for writing!