Question
I bought a pineapple plant from a local nursery, it seemed healthy no problems it was an adult and had a little baby pineapple already on it. We put it outside and watered it just enough to keep the soil moist like I read online. Within 2 weeks the ends of the leaves turned brown, the little pineapple looks dead its a light brown red color and now it fell over. My question is what happened? Is it dead? Is there anything I can do to save it or should I just throw it away, the mother plant is still green besides the tips of the leaves. Thank you for your help.

Answer
Hi Amanda, the symptoms you describe are over watering, the root system rotted, hence the browing tips and rotting (premature) fruit; they need to be kept somewhat damp, but the root system cannot be kept wet, and I am thinking that it didn't have proper drainage and this is what happened. Remove the plant from the container and line the bottom with some gravel or stones for excess water to settle into, away from the roots, then the fill the rest up with a light potting mixture, be sure to repot it at the same level it was previously at. They need ample Sun also....................also, remember that a pup will develop from the side of the mother plant, and that will be the next fruit..:))