Ananas ‘Mi Amigo’

Ananas ‘Mi Amigo’, better known as the Pineapple Plant, is a wonderfully unusual tropical houseplant with a real miniature pineapple rising from the centre of its architectural green foliage. Compact, colourful and unmistakably tropical, it makes a brilliant statement plant for a bright windowsill, shelf or sideboard.

Supplied in a 12cm diameter nursery pot at approximately 35cm tall, ‘Mi Amigo’ is a specially cultivated ornamental pineapple and a member of the bromeliad family. The fruit develops above a dense rosette of long, narrow leaves and can gradually change in colour and appearance as it matures.

Light & Position

Ananas ‘Mi Amigo’ loves plenty of bright light. Choose a bright position close to a window where it receives several hours of good natural light each day.

Bright indirect light is ideal, although a little gentle direct morning or evening sunshine is beneficial. Avoid suddenly placing a plant that has been grown indoors into intense midday sun, which can scorch the foliage.

Watering

Allow the upper few centimetres of compost to dry slightly before watering, then water thoroughly and allow all excess water to drain away. The compost should remain lightly moist during active growth but should never be permanently wet or waterlogged.

Pineapple plants are terrestrial bromeliads, so we recommend watering primarily into the compost rather than allowing water to sit continuously in the centre of the rosette. Reduce watering during the cooler, darker months when growth naturally slows.

Humidity & Temperature

As a tropical plant, Ananas ‘Mi Amigo’ enjoys warm conditions and moderate to higher humidity. Normal household humidity is usually sufficient, although it will appreciate a little extra humidity in particularly warm or centrally heated rooms.

Keep it away from cold draughts and sudden changes in temperature. Ideally, maintain temperatures above 15°C, with warmer conditions encouraging stronger growth.

Feeding

Feed regularly during spring and summer while the plant is actively growing using a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser at a reduced strength.

Reduce or stop feeding during autumn and winter when growth slows.

Growth & Fruiting

‘Mi Amigo’ grows as a compact rosette of strap-like leaves with its ornamental pineapple developing on a short central stem. The fruit is grown for decoration rather than eating and may gradually change colour as it matures.

Like other bromeliads, the main rosette will eventually begin to decline after fruiting. This is a natural part of the plant's life cycle rather than a sign that you have done anything wrong.

Before or during this process, the plant may produce small offsets, often called pups, around its base. These can be left to develop alongside the parent plant or separated and grown on once they are sufficiently established.

What Happens to the Pineapple?

The pineapple will remain decorative for some time before eventually ageing, drying or detaching from the plant. Once it is past its best, the fruiting stem can be cut away close to its base.

Continue caring for the surrounding foliage while watching for new offsets developing around the base of the plant. These young plants are the next generation and can eventually develop into mature pineapple plants of their own.

Why You'll Love It

• Produces a real miniature ornamental pineapple
• Distinctive tropical foliage with an architectural rosette shape
• Compact enough for shelves, windowsills and sideboards
• A fun and unusual alternative to more familiar houseplants
• Relatively straightforward to care for in a bright, warm position
• May produce offsets that can be grown on into new plants
• Makes a brilliant gift for a houseplant lover

Pet & Child Safety

Ananas ‘Mi Amigo’ is not generally regarded as a highly toxic houseplant, but we recommend discouraging pets and young children from chewing the foliage. The leaves can also be firm and sharp-edged.

We therefore recommend keeping the plant out of reach of pets and young children and discouraging chewing or ingestion.

Plant Details

Botanical Name: Ananas comosus ‘Mi Amigo’
Common Name: Pineapple Plant / Ornamental Pineapple
Family: Bromeliaceae
Nursery Pot Size: 12cm diameter
Approximate Height: Around 35cm
Fits Decorative Pot Size: 14cm
Growth Habit: Compact rosette-forming bromeliad
Position: Bright, warm indoor position
Fruit: Ornamental, not supplied for eating

Please note: As this is a living plant, the size, shape and colour of both the foliage and pineapple will naturally vary. Decorative pots shown in photos are not included. This plant is supplied in a plastic nursery pot.