Ananas sp. 'Lava Burst' ('Lava Burst' Pineapple)

King of fruits! One of the most delicious fruits in the world, especially when picked and eaten fresh. Pineapples are a tropical fruit that is rich in vitamins and dietary fiber, with the ability to boost the immune system. Popular varieties of pineapples include Royal Hawaiian, Victoria Gourmet, Hawaiian Gold, Sugar Loaf, and Miniature Dwarf. There are also ornamental varieties, such as the variegated pineapple "Ivory Coast," that are valued for their exotic tropical look and require very little care.

Pineapples are short, stiff herbaceous plants that are closely related to bromeliads. They have long, thin leaves with spiny tips and prickly edges, and a violet or reddish flower on a dense head, which appears from January to March in Florida. The fruit is compound, fleshy, and usually yellow to orange when ripe, with a rough outer skin.

Pineapples are not very susceptible to diseases, but they can suffer from root rot, mealy bugs, and spider mites. To prevent these issues, it is important to keep the area clean and free of any infestations. In cold regions, it is necessary to bring the pineapple container inside and keep it in a cool place during the winter. If temperatures drop below freezing for an extended period, it is necessary to cover the container with a thick layer of mulch to protect the plant.

Pineapples can be grown and harvested in pots, but it is important to be careful with watering and only use acidic soil. Like any bromeliad, pineapples need very little water and the soil should be allowed to dry between waterings. The heaviest fruiting season for pineapples is summer, from May to September, although some varieties have a staggered fruiting season throughout the year.

Read more about Pineapple: The most luscious Hospitality Fruit: Pineapple.

Pineapple Lava Burst is one of the most colorful ornamental pineapple varieties grown today. This spectacular tropical plant is prized for its dramatic variegated foliage streaked with burgundy, pink, cream, bronze, and green tones that often appear almost painted by hand. The colors can intensify even further in bright sunlight, giving the plant a glowing "lava-like" appearance that inspired its name.

Belonging to the bromeliad family, Lava Burst forms a dense rosette of arching, sword-like leaves that create a bold architectural shape. Even without fruit, the plant serves as a living tropical centerpiece and is widely used as an ornamental foliage plant in containers, patios, tropical landscapes, pool areas, and bright indoor spaces.

Like other ornamental pineapples, Lava Burst eventually produces a real edible pineapple fruit from the center of the plant. The fruit is typically smaller than commercial grocery-store pineapples but adds even more ornamental value when combined with the colorful foliage. The plant is grown primarily for its exceptional appearance rather than fruit production.

This variety performs especially well in containers because of its compact root system and manageable size. It prefers warm temperatures, bright light, and very well-drained soil. The strongest burgundy and pink coloration usually develops in full sun or very bright filtered light. Overwatering should be avoided, as pineapple plants prefer to dry slightly between waterings.

Pineapple Lava Burst is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to create a tropical look in small spaces without using large trees or shrubs. Its unusual coloration and sculptural form make it popular among bromeliad collectors, tropical plant enthusiasts, and gardeners searching for something truly different.