Ananas — 10 species

Ananas is the bromeliad genus that gives us the cultivated pineapple, with stiff, often spine-edged rosettes and a striking central fruit spike. The Pineapple (A. comosus), Smooth Cayenne, MD-2 Gold, and Queen Pineapple all demand full, bright light — ideally several hours of direct sun — and moderate watering once the top inch of soil dries out, with good drainage to avoid root rot. Toxicity varies across Ananas species; the sharp leaf margins can also cause physical irritation, so check each species before keeping them in a home with cats or dogs.