How to Divide a Pineapple Bromalaid Plant

Overview

Most bromeliad plants are ornamental, but one bromeliad, the pineapple, is an important food crop. These low growing plants are characterized by spiny leaves, with the fruit growing on top of these leaves. Plants eventually develop offshots known as pups. These pups are what can be divided from the main plant and replanted to grow new plants. While most plants require you to remove the plant from the ground when dividing, pineapple bromelaid plants can remain in the ground when you use the pups to reestablish new plantings.

Step 1

Rake compost, manure or grass clippings into the loose soil to make it healthier.

Step 2

Look for pups forming on pineapple plants. Pups can be identified by looking at the base of the plant. Pups are the new growth protruding from the base.

Step 3

Dig a hole where each new plant will be transplanted (by doing so before dividing, the plant will experience less shock, as it can be placed into the ground immediately). Dig six to eight inches deep and as wide as the width you plan to cut the transplant.

Step 4

Use a trowel or small shovel to dig into the soil between the pup and the base of the plant. Separate the joined roots of both plant sections.

Step 5

Lift the pup from the ground.

Step 6

Insert pup transplant into each hole. Pack soil around each new planting and original plant.

Step 7

Water the soil around each planting until the ground is well saturated.