Eucomis comosa aka Pineapple Lily

Taxonomy

Eucomis comosa, commonly known as pineapple flower, pineapple lily, or wine eucomis, is a deciduous bulbous perennial that is native to South Africa. It has an upright habit and grows from 1-3 feet tall and wide and produces long, narrow burgundy leaves. In late summer, it produces racemes of star shaped pink or cream coloured flowers, each topped with small green spiky leaves, resembling a pineapple top. This species is easy to grow and care for, needing only supplemental water and fertilizer throughout the summer months. In colder climates, the bulb can be dug up and stored in a cool, dry place or container-grown.

Common names

Pineapple Lily

How to care for Pineapple Lily

Difficulty

Pineapple Lily requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Pineapple Lily should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Pineapple Lily loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Pineapple Lily requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Pineapple Lily will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Pineapple Lily to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Fertilizer

The Pineapple Lily should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.


More info:
Wikipedia