I have also rooted pineapple tops and have one right now. My first attempt failed, I used water gel beads initially it did manage to grow a root. This stage of waiting for a root was really long, then moved it to soil, and I think by that time I am running out of good sun and warmth as the seasons were changing so it failed.
So I did a second attempt, this time putting the pineapple top directly into soil in a container. I did this in October 2013. placing it in a part sun-shade outdoors, in a very well draining soil, since it is still attempting roots. Stayed indoors during winter, keeping it warm by our south facing window and then when temps outdoors have stabilized, I have it in a sunny side in my garden. Right now it gets part sun-part shade, and seems to endure our very dry summers, as long as I get to mist the leaves and give it thorough watering at least once or twice a week, especially when our temps soar very high and dry. I have been thinking about how pineapples are grown in my old homeland and remembering the areas where I see them is in sunny mountain sides or under very tall coconut trees with some early morning fog, and consistent warm temps plus lots of monsoon rains. Even if they get rained on, the natural slope of the hills and mountains, protection under the canopy of coconut trees, allows water to drain. So got to simulate that somehow in my ever dry area.
One thing for sure, if it gets cold outdoors like below 55F, put the plant indoors by your sunniest window.
Oct 2013
After winter status: staying by south facing window all winter long
Brought it out in May 2014 when temps are more stable and warm: My garden gets shaded in the hottest part of the day by our city trees, but we do get extremely dry conditions here, and temps soar triple digits too:
Oct 2014:
Nov2014-pulling it indoors once more to prepare for the cold weather, back to sunny south window
April 2015:
Currently this 12Aug 2015:
Right now I am hoping it will try to make a fruit
So if you will put it in a container, make sure your soil is well draining. It does make thick roots and the base of the plant reminds me of any typical succulent that hates being too water logged. The leaves behave like any bromeliad, so they love getting spray misted if it is too dry. It thrives really well in humid conditions so they grow so good in a tropical set-up. The stage when it needs to grow new roots takes awhile, so just got to keep the soil moist but not too soaking wet.
