Pineapple Plants Rotting in South Florida: Excess Rain the Culprit

A grower with 8 years of success suddenly sees pineapple plants rotting from the center out—yellowing, center pulls out, foul smell. 6 of 31 plants affected. Soil is topsoil and coarse sand; no fertilizer used.

Diagnosis: Waterlogged Soil

Center rot is a classic sign of excess moisture. South Florida's unusually heavy rains saturated the soil, even in well-draining mix. Pineapples (bromeliads) hate "wet feet."

Solutions

• Improve drainage: raise beds, add more coarse material (perlite, gravel).
• Divert runoff away from planting area.
• If in pots, move under cover during prolonged rain.
• Do not fertilize stressed plants.

No pathogen treatment needed—fix the water issue and surviving plants will recover.