how much sunlight does a pineapple plant need? [EXPLAINED]
If you are looking for a tropical addition to your garden then pineapple plant is a good one. Pineapple is a slow-growing plant. Pineapple’s nutritious fruit and unique foliage intensify its value. But before planting them you must know how to grow Pineapples and how much sunlight does a pineapple plant need?
Typically pineapples require plenty of sunlight. Most pineapple species thrive best when they receive six hours (6 hours) of direct sunlight. This is for the plant growing outdoors in direct sunlight. But if your pineapple plant is present indoors then you have to place them in a south-facing window. Try to provide them with sunlight not less than 6 hours.
How Many Hours Of Sunlight Do Pineapple Needs?
Pineapples are well adapted to hot conditions. Pineapples in their natural habitat such as tropical and subtropical regions of South America particularly Brazil are exposed to lots of direct sunlight.
After 6 hours of constant exposure, the plants will show maximum growth and reward you with their delicious fruit.
When you understand sunlight exposure it will be easy for you to care for your plant. Remember that sunlight for the pineapple plant is a fuel that supports its vitality, growth, and fruit production.
Can Pineapple Plant Grow In Shade?
Pineapple is a tropical plant. Such plants need full sunlight. They can tolerate some shade but prolonged exposure to shade can clearly affects its growth.
If your Pineapple plant is present inside your house try to provide artificial light if possible.
Those Pineapples that are grown in the shade are less productive. if you grow pineapples in the shade you will most likely be unhappy with the results.
Do The Indoor Pineapple Plant Need More Sunlight?
If your pineapple plant is present inside then you have to take some extra care. Here is what you should consider for indoor pineapple care!
The direction that receives the most sunlight is the south-facing window. Place your plant near that window.
You can also use artificial grow lights to overcome the light requirement. Try to position them 12-16 inches above your pineapple plant. Keep the light on for at least 12 hours a day to compensate for sunlight deficiency.
If your plant leaves become yellow or brownish then it clearly indicates sunlight deficiency. Try to change the placement of your plant or increase the intensity of artificial light.
Signs Of Insufficient Sunlight
When your plant is not getting the proper sunlight then it has a number of negative impacts. 4 main impacts are as follows:
1. Reduced Growth
One of the first signs is that your plant will not grow properly. Its growth will be less than expected. Decreased growth will lead to other main problems.
2. Delayed Flower and Fruit Production
Due to insufficient sunlight, the pineapple plant will not produce flowers and fruit properly. Flower initiation and fruit production require a minimum of 6 hours of full sunlight.
3. Yellow Leaves
If you are growing pineapple in your garden to increase its aesthetic beauty then try to provide full sunlight. Pineapple plants’ leaves lose their natural green color due to sunlight problems. It becomes yellowish and looks unattractive.
4. Decrease Fruit Quality
If you are growing pineapple for its delicious fruit then sunlight duration will be a big problem. When pineapple plants receive less or greater than 6 hours of full sunlight then it clearly impacts the quality of pineapple fruit.
How Long It Takes To Grow Pineapple Plant
Pineapple takes 18-24 months to grow and produce its delicious fruit. If you are interested in growing pineapple then try to use a vegetative propagating method such as planting the crown and suckers.
This time duration also depends on many factors such as pineapple variety, and cultivation practices. Initially, it grows roots and leaves and after 18-24 hours it produces flowers. This flower will lead to delicious fruit.
Where To Grow Pineapple Plants In My Garden?
When it comes to growing your pineapple plant in your garden then prefer a place that is exposed to full sunlight. If you water your plant properly then growing your plant to full sunlight exposure will let it bloom properly.
To increase your garden’s aesthetic beauty try to grow your plant near benches in your garden. Try to grow your pineapple plant at regular intervals near the benches. Pay special attention to the spacing so that it can spread its foliage properly and not cover the benches.
Is It Good To Grow Pineapple From Seed?
Many people often get confused when they are going to grow pineapple in their garden. Because you can raise the plant from seed and other vegetative parts. so which method is best?
It is obvious that using seeds to grow pineapple will take more time and effort. As pineapple seeds are mostly less viable and have a low germination rate. These plants also take a long time to reach the fruit-bearing stage.
Pineapple seeds are also environmentally sensitive. Many factors must be properly maintained to grow a healthy plant. It is also possible that the plants grown from seeds may possess different characteristics than their parent’s plants. so it is a challenging task to predict the quality and taste as well as disease resistance of fruit produced from seeds.
Try to use vegetative parts such as a top(crown) or sucker while growing the plant for the first time. It will take less time and the fruit quality is also guaranteed.
