Bighead pineapple

Botanical Name: Ananas comosus 'Capezona'

Native Region/Environment: Little information is available but this was once an abundant pineapple species in the Caribbean, particularly Puerto Rico.  Cultivation in Puerto Rico is documented pre-Columbus but this species was displaced beginning in the late 19th century with more commercial Hawaiian cultivars. "Cabezona", presumed to be the same, is a common species in Mexico.

Sun/Light: Full-part sun 

Temperature: Indoors will require minimum 50F temperatures.  Outdoors: USDA Hardiness zone 10-12

Water: Drought tolerant once establish, prefers moist, but not soggy soils.  Over watering and over fertilizing are the easiest ways to kill a coveted pineapple plant.

 so feed quarterly and water as needed to prevent water logged soils. Use a chunky soil mix to help prevent over watering and root rot.

Soil: Nutrient rich, fast draining, porous soil.  Err to the side of underwatering.

Growth Pattern: As with most other bromeliads, a pineapple plant grows from a central, low axis, with stiff leaves that have sharp spines or hooks.

Mature Size: 4'-5' width and height.

Attributes: A pineapple is a multiple fruit in one-it is the joining of potentially hundreds of pollinated flowers to become a single fruit.  It is a very sweet and extremely juicy variety, easily identified by its characteristic large round shape. A fully mature Bighead pineapple can be almost twice the size of a store bought pineapple.

Attractor: In the wild, hummingbirds are the primary pollinators, but bees and bats can also be attracted to the flowers.

Pot: 4"