dyzzypyxxy said:All I can say is build a nice sturdy little cage for the plant if it sets a pineapple, Jean. Otherwise, take it indoors when it's time for it to ripen. The raccoons can smell ripe fruit from a mile away.
Thanks, Elaine. We are "blessed" with lots of raccoons where we are so I'm sure if mine ever fruited, they would have a feast! The one I rooted here was put outside while we were on a trip last summer and the deer ate the top out of it despite the sharp spines on the leaves! It is recovering so I thought it might have a better life in FL.
Many years ago when we went to Hawaii, we had a lesson on how to take the top off a pineapple for rooting. Grab the bottom with one hand and the top with the other and twist in opposite directions. Take off the bottom leaves, let it sit for several weeks, then plant directly in soil. I was able to root one, and it got very large, however, no fruit.