Flowerbed of State (41 page)

Purchase a fresh pineapple with a large, bright green top. If you can find a pineapple that already has roots sprouting, get that one. Check between the leaves for root growth. Roots will be brown filaments growing off the stalk between the leaves.

Remove the green stalk from the pineapple. You can do this one of two ways: Twist off the stalk or cut off the top of the pineapple. I prefer to chop off the top of the pineapple, because twisting can damage the leaves.

Remove all pineapple meat from the stalk. Be sure the stalk is clean of any pineapple residue. Even a small bit of meat left on the stalk will rot, which may cause the plant to rot and die.

Peel off the bottom whorl of leaves to expose approximately an inch of stalk. Take care not to damage any existing roots when removing the leaves.

Place in a dark, dry spot for three to seven days to allow the stalk to dry out and form a callus.

Once the stalk has dried, plant in a small pot with perlite, vermiculite, coarse sand, or any combination of these. Bury the stalk up just above the first leaf. The pineapple will want to be in a dry, well-drained environment. If the planting medium stays too damp, the pineapple stalk will rot. If the center of the pineapple stalk rots, don’t panic. Remove the rotted material and let dry out. With some extra care, the pineapple can still produce roots and form offshoots from the stalk.

Alternative to potting: Root the pineapple in a glass of water. Place pineapple stalk in a glass of water, with the end of the stalk submerged in the water at a depth of a quarter to a half inch. Change the water every two to three days.

Set pot or glass in indirect light. It takes six to eight weeks for the stalk to root.

Once the roots have set, repot in a well-drained potting soil and gradually move to direct sunlight. Feed the established plant a 10-10-10 fertilizer. Do not overwater.

It will take approximately three years before the plant will flower and fruit. Until then, enjoy the look of the tropics within your own home.