Ananas nanus

This plant forms a rosette that can be up to 60 centimetres in diameter. Long, firm leaves growing out of the rosette range in colour from greyish green to dark green. They are edged with sharp spikes so need to be handled with care. Under the right conditions, the plant forms a flower stem in the centre of its rosette. This then bears an inflorescence of pretty, elliptical white flowers with purple tips. Once the flowers have faded, the plant produces a miniature pineapple the size of a hen’s egg, initially pink or red, turning golden yellow as it ripens.

Ananas nanus originates in the tropics so not surprisingly it enjoys a high level of humidity. It requires a growing compound or substrate with a loose or open structure that does not retain too much moisture. A mixture of sand and compost produces the best results. In spring and summer it needs watering regularly,. Between waterings the substrate should be allowed to dry out almost completely. If the substrate is too wet, the plant’s roots will rot. In autumn and winter, it requires less water. Ananas nanus is best cultivated at room temperature. It loves plenty of light but must not be exposed to direct sunlight for too long in summer. The compost in the substrate will normally provide sufficient nutrients so fertilise sparingly. Too much fertiliser will result in the plant flowering more slowly.