As plants of the tropics, you need to mimic that environment in your pineapple care as closely as possible. Pineapples love at least six hours a day of bright but indirect sunlight. They also prefer temperatures between 65 and 95 degrees with high humidity levels. If you live in a dry region, use a humidifier for indoor plants or a mister for outdoor plants. Keep them in well-drained soil and water them from the top down.

The biggest problem pineapple growers face is root rot from overwatering. To prevent this, let the soil dry between waterings, then get the soil moist but not soggy. Also check the pineapples regularly for signs of infestation from mealy bugs, nematodes, mites and scales.

New pineapple plants are usually grown from the leafy crown of a ripe fruit. If you want to try seeding, wrap your pineapple seeds in a damp paper towel, then keep them in a sealed plastic bag at room temperature. It may take several months for the seeds to sprout; when they do, transfer them to a small container with potting soil and a clear cover. The sprouts should be above the soil line.

Whether planting a seedling or a crown, do so in the spring or early summer so roots can establish. Place them so the soil comes to the bottom of the leaves. Never plant in an area known for standing water as this can lead to root rot. If you are planting pineapples in a container, fill the container about an inch from the top with potting soil. It will take about six months for the root structure to fully develop and 18-32 months for the plant to mature depending on conditions.

Pineapple plants get most of their nutrients through the leaves, so feeding requirements are minimal. Add some organic compost and mulch when planting, then let the plants be for the first few months. From there, monitor the leaves’ color; if they start to turn red or purple, your pineapple plants need additional nutrients. Apply a diluted slow-release liquid fertilizer with a balanced NPK ratio to the leaves or soil. Avoid concentrated soil as it can cause leaf burn.

Before the first frost of the fall, move potted pineapple plants indoors. For ground-based plants, add mulch around the base and use a frost cover or burlap cloth to provide heat insulation. You should water and fertilize the plants less during the winter since the cold temperatures will slow their growth — but ensure they still get plenty of sunlight or use grow lights if necessary.

Outdoor pineapple plants should be pruned in the spring; indoor plants can be pruned almost anytime. Remove dead or diseased leaves by cutting them at the base with a sharp knife or shears. Also, remove baby plants (i.e. suckers) as they can interfere with the main plant’s growth.

Unlike most plants, a pineapple plant only produces a single fruit — so make it count. You can tell if a pineapple is ready to harvest when it has a golden brown peel and a potent pineapple smell. Gently tug the fruit off the plant or cut it with shears. They last about three days at room temperature and six days in the refrigerator.