Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Saturday - November 05, 2005
From: Columbia, MO
Region: Midwest
Topic: Propagation
Title: Pineapple plant care
Answered by: Joe Marcus and Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Hello, I have a new pineapple plant that is still very small 1-2 inches around the fruit at most. The fruit has recently turned a deep yellow as if it were ripe. I am wondering if it can be ripe at such a small size or if there is something wrong with it and if so what I can do to help the plant. It is in a window getting pleny of sun and is at a steady temperature. I would also like to know what to do as far as replanting the fruit to get another plant and how to help the pineapple get larger. Thanks so much.ANSWER:
The pineapple is native to South America and probably originated in Brazil. It sounds as if your pineapple is ripening despite its small size. Pineapples ripen in response to ethylene gas which is common in the home environment, particularly during the winter. Apples are a good source of ethylene gas. Pineapples can be encouraged to flower and the fruits to ripen by enclosing the plants in a plastic bag with sliced apples. You can read more about the care and propagation of your pineapple.More Propagation Questions
Starting wild plant seeds indoors from Dallas TX
February 23, 2014 - Is it possible to start some Phlox drummondii or other native wild flower from seed indoors, and then transplant to my garden? If so, can you suggest some?
view the full question and answer
transplanting Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum capillus-veneris)
October 25, 2011 - Behind our house is a huge grotto with a spring flowing through it that runs into a creek. Because of the constant flow of water, there are many of the Maidenhair Ferns (Adiantum capillus-veneris). I ...
view the full question and answer
What to do with agave after it blooms from Phoenix AZ
March 12, 2013 - Hello!
I have 2 century plants in the process of blooming. How exciting!! I've never really seen it before.
Anyway, what do I then do with the dying/dead plant. Simply dig it up and trash it?
T...
view the full question and answer
Source of Berlandiera pumila seeds from Coral Gables FL
June 07, 2012 - Where can I buy plants or seeds of Berlandiera pumila?
view the full question and answer
Transplanting wild sumac
September 23, 2010 - About a month ago I dug up five sumac from my backyard in Aylmer Quebec. I potted them. They now look dead. I wanted to transplant them at my cottage in Barrie Ontario. Can I still transplant them...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |