Why is the pineapple plant leaning? It was the most worrying thing for me when I started producing pineapples last year. Then, my friend revealed that it was happening due to zinc deficiency, improper light management, overwatering, growth of new and unnecessary seedlings under the main plant, high humidity, and pest attack.
Though I took enough care of my plant, I missed some inevitable things that made my pineapple plant lean. After observing, I found the mandatory things and the way of applying proper maintenance procedures.
If you feel that you are also in such problems, you are welcome to pick your solution from my overview. Here is a short presentation of the causes of pineapple plant leaning and their solutions.
| Problems | Solutions |
| Zinc deficiency | Spray 1% of the zinc solution on all parts of the plant. |
| Shortage of light | Provide bright sunlight equally at all parts of the plant |
| Overwatering | Don’t water much to the plant and keep the drainage line furnished |
| Unnecessary seedlings growth | Prune the leaves of the new seedlings grown under the main plant or transplant them into other pots |
| High humidity | Maintain the humidity range between 50-70% |
| Pest attack | Apply insecticide or organic remedies |
6 Causes That May Cause Your Pineapple Plant Leaning – Find the Solution
1. Zinc Deficiency
Let’s start the detailed discussion with zinc deficiency. I am putting it at the top of the list as crookneck happening due to zinc deficiency is considered the most notorious problem of pineapple plant leaning.
When the plant faces a lack of zinc, it cannot grow in its natural way. The leaves become narrow and the stunted growth of the plant happens. The leaves start to become yellow and pale. The pale and slender look of the leaves can make you sure about zinc deficiency.
As a result, the plant cannot get enough support to hold the weight of the fruit or foliage. It loses strength for perfect growth and starts leaning to one side.
Control Measure
If you find your plant leaning due to zinc deficiency, provide a 1% zinc solution to the plant. To make a zinc solution, add 1 quart of concentrated zinc to 16 quarts of water and mix them properly.
Then, spray the solution on the whole plant. Or, you can pour the solution while watering the plant soil. But, avoid mixing the solution directly with the root zone. It is better to add the solution at a moderate distance from the root.
2. Improper Light Management
Then, come to the light part. Scarcity of enough light intensity is another issue that may cause your plant to lean. If the plant gets sunlight from only one direction, it grows in that way according to the plant rule.
At this time, the other parts of the plant cannot be nourished properly and can’t grow in the same way as the sun-preferred side. Due to these causes, the plant leans to one side in an imbalanced structure.
Control Measures
Pineapple plants love direct sunlight for at least 6-8 hours a day. Being sun-loving plants, they need enough sun intensity equally at all parts of the plant. That’s why keep your plant in such a place where it can gain enough sunlight for its maturity.
3. Overwatering
After that, let’s be introduced to one new fact that is responsible for pineapple plant leaning. Overwatering, the problem related to watering issues, is the most devastating problem of pineapple plants that can kill your plant too besides leaning.
The water-logging situation is detrimental to a pineapple plant. They don’t take in more water than necessary. If you overwater them and don’t pay attention to the furnished drainage system, they will refuse to take the excess water. At that time, the water will be stuck at the root zone and cause root rot. Meanwhile, you may find your plant leaning.
Control Measures
Water pineapple plants when the topsoil gets dry. Pinching your finger inside the soil can make you sure whether the plant needs water or not. If you feel it dry, then water the plant. Besides, keep the drainage system perfect for the removal of excessive water.
4. Growth of New Seedlings
Furthermore, I will introduce you to a new type of problem which is the growth of new seedlings. Sometimes, new seedlings grow under the main pineapple plant. It may grow due to good nutrition or a vegetative propagation system.
When those plants start to produce their vegetative parts, they push the main plant from underneath. Consequently, due to the force, the plant’s growing system feels disturbed and it starts to lean in one direction whether the force is not available.
Control Measures
You can try two types of solutions for this purpose. The first one is pruning. Remove or cut the leaves of the small pineapple plants.
The other is transplantation and this is supposed to be the best idea for me. Uproot the small seedlings and plant them in such pots where enough nutrition materials are added to the soil.
5. High Humidity
Next, the term is humidity. Do you know how much humidity is needed for a pineapple plant? The pineapple plant is a warm-loving plant and it doesn’t feel comfortable in high humidity.
On the other hand, high humidity increases the possibility of the infection of pests and diseases. If roots or any foliage part gets attacked, it cannot grow anymore and make the plant lean to one side.
Control Measures
The optimum humidity range for a pineapple plant is 50-70%. Humidity below 45% is devastating for the plant. On the other hand, too much humidity also destroys the plant system. Stop watering your plant if the humidity level gets too high. You can check this using a humidity meter.
6. Insect Attack
Finally, I am going to end the list with pest attack problems. Pests are one of the most problematic reasons behind pineapple plant leaning. Pests like scales, nematodes, mealybugs, spider mites, and thrips are the most common issues responsible for the pineapple plant leaning.
Control Measures
To remove the pineapple plant pests, first, observe the insect population. If you find them at a low amount, you can remove them by handpicking. Sometimes, using a heavy water stream can also help in removing small amounts of insects.
Else, you have other options like insecticides, organic remedies, etc. Insecticides should be applied at a suggested level with proper security as they are poisonous. If insecticides are available to you, you can apply so.(Our pick: Monterey LG 6145 70% Neem Oil Ready-To-Spray Insecticide, Miticide, & Fungicide)
Otherwise, you can make organic remedies for these insects. Like neem oil solution, baking soda powder, and liquid soap solution. Let’s have a glance at their preparation process.
- Neem Oil Solution
2 teaspoons of concentrated neem oil, ¼ tablespoon of aloe vera powder, and a few drops of essential oil are needed for making this solution. Take 1 gallon of water and mix all the ingredients with it. Here is ready your neem oil solution.
- Baking Soda Solution
Mix 4 tablespoons of baking soda in 1 gallon of water and spray to the plant or apply while watering.
- Liquid Soap Solution
Add a few drops of liquid soap to 1 gallon of water and apply to the infected parts.
Quick Caring Tips For Pineapple Plant
| Soil | Soil should be well-drained, sandy loam, and nutritious |
| Climate | A hot and humid climate is necessary |
| Watering | Watering should be regular and according to the plant’s need |
| Humidity | Humidity should be between 50-70% |
| Temperature | The optimum temperature range is between 68-86°F |
| Sunlight | Full sunlight for at least 6-8 hours |
For a better idea, you can also check this video-
FAQs
Q: Can a leaning pineapple plant be saved?
Q: How often should I water my pineapple plant?
Q: How many months are needed for pineapple fruit production?
Q: Can a pineapple plant grow in winter?
Q: What is the best season for growing pineapple plants?
Final Words
Meanwhile, I have discussed with you- why is my pineapple plant leaning. If you are also having these same problems, you may find enough similarities with these situations. Pineapple plants are easy to grow but they need intensive care. You need to provide the microclimate properly that they need.
Until you provide proper care to them, you may not get the expected harvesting. That’s why to avoid this problem, you can pick up your needed solution from here and apply it to your plant. Thus, you can save your pineapple plant and get enough fruits too.
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