Plants That Resemble Pineapples – Bringing a Tropical Flair Indoors

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?

Eucomis autumnalis (Pineapple Lily) At the tip of the spike sits a rosette of lime green leaves similar to those of pineapples, hence the common name of Pineapple Lily. Rich in nectar, the flowers last for 3-4 weeks, opening slowly from the bottom up.

What is the plant that looks like a pineapple but is not?

Century Plants or Agave Century plant leaves are leathery and tough with spines. Each sword-like leaf radiates out from a base to make a globular shape. Some century plants have a size that makes them look more pineapple-like. Plants about 24 inches tall and wide mimic a true pineapple.

How do you take care of a pineapple bromeliad?

Water every 1 to 2 weeks using filtered water or water that has set out overnight. Pineapple Bromeliad prefers to dry out somewhat between waterings but should not dry out completely. The soil should be well draining, never soggy. The plant benefits from extra humidity, especially in high temperatures.

Can you eat an ornamental pineapple plant?

Also known as Dwarf or Miniature Pineapple plants, they have smaller fruits than the pineapples we’re used to seeing in the supermarket. It is grown more as an ornamental plant and the fruit it produces is edible but very bitter.

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.

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