With their spiky leaves and juicy golden fruit pineapples are an iconic tropical plant. While growing genuine pineapple plants at home can be challenging, there are several other interesting plants that closely resemble pineapples in form or function. Adding these exotic lookalikes to your indoor garden can bring a vibrant tropical flair even in colder climates.
Here are some top picks for plants that look remarkably like pineapples:
Bromeliads
In the plant kingdom, no fruits better mimic the look of a pineapple than the spectacular blooms of bromeliads. These tropical epiphytes produce colorful bracts and flowers clustered into dense, spiky inflorescences resembling a fruiting pineapple plant. Popular bromeliads like Aechmea, Guzmania, Neoregelia, and Vriesea make stunning houseplants and readily produce abundant “pups” for propagation.
Air Plants
Air plants like Tillandsia species are epiphytic bromeliads that can survive by absorbing moisture from the air through scales on their leaves. Many produce strappy leaves in rosettes with a central cup or vase evoking a spiky wild pineapple. Their tiny flowers are less showy than other bromeliads but still add pops of color.
Pineapple Lily
True to its name the pineapple lily plant (Eucomis comosa) yields a spiked pom-pom inflorescence of green and white starry flowers topped with pointed bracts that uncannily resembles a fruiting pineapple. Though not a true bromeliad, its strappy leaves and top-heavy blooms are similar in form and help create a tropical look.
Century Plant
With its spiky blue-green leaves and large flowering stalk, the century plant (Agave americana) shares the spiked silhouette of a pineapple plant. Its rosette structure mirrors the low-growing foliage of pineapple. Just beware of the sharp leaf tips before bringing this desert succulent indoors.
Totem Pole Cactus
The columnar totem pole cactus (Lophocereus schottii) exhibits thick, triangular ribs along its length, bearing a close resemblance to the exterior of a pineapple. Though not a true tropical plant, its vertical ridges and geometric structure can evoke tropical motifs.
Torch Ginger
The brilliant red and orange “pineapple-like” flower bracts of torch ginger (Etlingera elatior) resemble a flowering pineapple plant, especially varieties like ‘Pink Torch.’ The large, waxy bracts and spiky leaves add vivid tropical flair. Their showy flowers make them popular additions to indoor gardens.
Ananas Comosus
For home gardeners in very warm climates (zones 10-11), growing an actual miniature pineapple plant (Ananas comosus) indoors or on a patio can be an option. Dwarf and container varieties have been bred to thrive in pots and produce bite-sized pineapple fruits ideal for indoor cultivation.
Bringing any of these delightful plants into an indoor or outdoor space can provide a sense of lush tropical ambiance. Their spiked leaves, geometric shapes, and colorful blooms evoke the distinctive look of pineapple plants. With the right care, these unique specimens can be grown successfully indoors, allowing anyone to enjoy a taste of the tropics at home.
Pineapple Plant Care Guide
Light
Likes bright light and can survive in direct sunlight, but too much of it will burn its leaves
Water
During the growing season the top 2 cm of soil should be dry between watering. It will need less water in the solder seasons and survive with dryer soil.
Temperature
Should be kept in a well-heated room preferably above 15 ºC
Feeding
Enjoys a mix of orchid compost and peat-free multi compost soil
Grooming
When the fruit ripens, it should be cut off. The plant should then send out offsets that will grow into new pineapple plants.
Care
Brown leaf tips are a tell-tale sign that the surrounding air is too dry. Snip these ends off and place it on top of a pebble tray to increase humidity.
Ananas comosus ‘Pygmy Amigo’
Pots that pair perfectly with this plant
How to Grow a Pineapple from its Top! Works every Time!
FAQ
What plant resembles a pineapple?
What is the plant that looks like a pineapple but is not?
How do you take care of a pineapple bromeliad?
Can you eat an ornamental pineapple plant?
What plants look like pineapples?
The first plant we can suggest for your garden that looks like pineapples is another plant in the bromeliad family, the Alcantarea Imperialis. This plant has a massive base that grows almost 60 inches wide and densely spirals out in a wide strap-like pattern. The Alcantarea Imperialis grows at its own pace and can take 8 to 20 years to flower.
Which bromeliad plant looks like a pineapple?
Neoregalia (Blushing Bromeliad) Neoregalia is another enchanting bromeliad variety that makes for an exquisite small indoor plant that looks like a pineapple top. Its leaves form a rosette shape and typically feature a base colour of green, adorned with striking red or pink markings that resemble a delicate blush.
What plants look like pineapple tops at a young age?
Botanical Name: Tillandsia spp. Another plant worth mentioning that resembles pineapple tops at a young age is Tillandsias. Also known as air plants, these plants can be a colorful addition to any space! 5. Dyckia Botanical Name: Dyckia spp. Native to South America, Dyckias are often mistaken for succulents; they do look like pineapple tops!
What does a pineapple plant look like?
These large houseplants that look like pineapples feature long, arching leaves with a rosette formation at their centre, similar to the shape of a pineapple. The leaves can vary in colour from deep green to reddish hues, depending on the varieties and lighting conditions.