PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Bright indirect to partial direct morning sun; avoid harsh midday summer sun to prevent leaf scorch
Watering
Keep the central rosette cup filled with fresh water; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot
Temperature
Thrives at 18–27°C; protect from temperatures below 10°C to avoid leaf browning and tissue damage
Characteristics
- Leaf: Long, rigid sword-shaped leaves with sharp marginal spines, green with red undersides
- Flower: Small purple tubular flowers clustered within bright red, showy bracts
- Fruit: Small, rough-skinned edible pineapple, less sweet than common commercial varieties
Care Guide
Watering
Keep central cup filled with dechlorinated water; water soil when top 2 cm is dry
Fertilization
Diluted balanced liquid feed once every 2 months. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent salt buildup in soil
Banana peel compost tea：Compost banana peels for 4–6 weeks; steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 for soil drench to support flowering and fruitingPruning
- Remove brown, dried outer leaves to maintain rosette appearance and improve airflow
- Trim spent flower stalks after fruiting to redirect energy to new offset pups
- Separate 10–15 cm tall offset pups in spring for propagation
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA-aligned: No toxic compounds identified; non-toxic to cats
Humans: No known toxic effects when ingested in moderate amounts; spines may cause minor skin irritation
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Red bracts symbolize tropical warmth and hospitality in South American folk traditions
Usage: Ornamental garden specimen; small edible fruit for fresh eating or tropical beverage infusions
