The pineapple is a tropical plant. So, of course, the pineapple plant generally grows in tropical and subtropical regions. However, we have to accept without debate that the pineapple plant preferred to live in warm temperatures, in between 68 to 85 degrees of Fahrenheits.
But at present, the pineapple plant is a member of most gardens in many countries. But many growers’ main issue is to protect their pineapple plants from frost. Because, it can damage the pineapple’s tissues and roots. However, winter protection is necessary to ensure your pineapple plant’s survival.
Tip 1 # Graw pineapple plans in the pots
Due to this winter protection challenge, most people tend to plant their pineapple plants in pots. Because when they can keep their potted plants indoors to protect from frost. The best news is pineapple works well in containers, but you have at least 3 gallons.
However, in this case, you have to move your potted pineapple plants indoors if the temperature drops down to less than 32 Fahrenheit for more than a few hours. It can be only chance to survive them. Simply you should bring the pineapple plant indoors before the first frost of fall.
Tip 2# Use a greenhouse or a bright, warm sunroom
However, sometimes it may be difficult to move the potted pineapple plants indoor due to their size. Here you can use a greenhouse or a bright, warm sunroom.
But if you do not recognize any solution, you can go them with a dolly or truck. Here your primary target should be to cover and protect your potted pineapple plants from frost.
So, now we have some idea about protecting the potted pineapple plants in the winter season.
But how do we protect the pineapple plants that are planted in the soil outside?
Do not worry. It has solutions. Only you have to take measures to keep your pineapple plants warm and healthy in the winter.
Tip 3# Way to protect pineapple plants that are planted in the soil outside
To do this task, you can follow the below steps. I am sure this is the time to solve your problem.
Keep in mind every trouble has at least one solution. The only thing that you have to do is find out the correct and ideal way to solve your problem.
Option 1#
Even when the weather is cold, you should water your pineapple plant properly every two to three days.
Because the lack of moisture in the soil will quickly release heat. Consequently, it causes to dehydrate your pineapple plant.
Also, when dehydrating the plant, it is a reason to lose moisture from the leaves of the plant more quickly. It can lead to damage to the internal tissues. Therefore, you should thoroughly water your pineapple plant at least 12 inches around the plant each time.
Option 2#
However, you can use organic mulch like wood chips because this helps to retain the soil’s moisture and heat.
Another mulch-like gravel and rocks reflect heat up toward the base of the pineapple plant. Here white or light color stones work well. Comparatively, rocks have the ability to retain heat than organic mulch. So, rocks are more suitable for winter.
However, you cannot keep the stones through the year. Because in the hottest months like summer, rocks reflect more heat. As a result, it can burn the bottom leaves of your pineapple plant.
Therefore, you should pull the rocks out away from the base end of the winter.
Option 3#
Another step is driving four wooden stakes in the ground around the plant. Alternatively, here some growers use a pre-prepared frame. Then lay a blanket or a sheet over the stakes.
However, stakes should be high or tall enough to blanket does not tough the leaves of the pineapple plant. If necessary, you can prevent the blanket or sheet from sagging in the middle by tying the stakes in a crisscross pattern.
Another important thing is you should ensure that the blanket or sheet is large enough to touch the ground on all sides of the pineapple plant. Also, you can put rocks or landscaping staples to weigh the edges down.
Keep in mind that this step will help hold the heat only blanket completely cover the plant. If not, this method does not succeed anymore.
Further, you should remove the covered blanket or sheet after sunshine touches the plant in the morning.
Option 4#
Further, you can string holiday outdoor holiday lights around the base pineapple plant. But do not let the bulb touch the plant. What happens here is that these lights help produce some heat in the blanket area.
However, if you do not have outdoor holiday lights, a 100-watt light bulb is another alternative. You can attach this bulb to an outdoor light fixture or on a light extension cord.
Then you can keep it near the base of the pineapple plant. Anyhow do not forget to turn off the lights every morning.
WHAT TEMPERATURE CANNOT BE TOLERATED BY PINEAPPLE PLANTS?
Like other tropical plants, pineapple plants also cannot tolerate freezing temperatures below 28 Fahrenheit or -2 Celsius. Also, the pineapple plant grows slowly under temperatures below 60 Fahrenheit or 15.5 Celsius and above 90 Fahrenheit or 32 Celsius.
So, what is the optimum temperature level for your pineapple plant?
It can be defined as the optimum temperature between 68 Fahrenheit to 86 Fahrenheit or 20 to 30 Celsius. Under this temperature, the pineapple plant performs well.
CAN PINEAPPLE PLANTS GROW IN A COUNTRY THAT HAS COLD TEMPERATURES?
Basically, pineapple or Ananas comosus is a tropical plant. So, they work well in warm temperatures between 65 to 95 Fahrenheit.
Some countries have Mediterranean- type climates. In These countries, the winter tends to dip close to freezing.
However, you should bring pineapple plants inside or follow winter protection methods in this cold season. If not, you have to say goodbye to your pineapple plant!