Growing Guide: Mouse's Pineapple
Growing Tips
Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-drained sandy or coastal soil. Mouse’s Pineapple thrives where many plants can’t—hot, dry, salty conditions are no problem. Water regularly during establishment, then sparingly once mature. Prune lightly to maintain a tidy shape or encourage denser growth. Hardy in USDA Zones 9b–11, it can also grow in containers for patios or pollinator gardens. Fruiting begins once plants are well established, and your mature 3-gallon specimens are already poised to produce.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Morinda royoc |
| Common Names | Mouse’s Pineapple, Redgal, Cheese Shrub, Wild Noni |
| Family | Rubiaceae (Coffee Family) |
| Origin | Florida, Caribbean, Tropical Americas |
| Plant Type | Evergreen fruiting shrub |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Mature Size | 3–6 ft tall x 3–5 ft wide |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade |
| Water Needs | Low; drought- and salt-tolerant once established |
| Soil | Well-drained, sandy, coastal soils |
| Bloom Time | Spring–Fall |
| Flower Color | White, pinwheel-shaped |
| USDA Zones | 9b–11 |
| Florida Native | Yes |
| Propagation | Seeds, cuttings |
| Seasonal Traits | Evergreen |
| Time to Harvest | 1–2 years from planting; ongoing fruiting once mature |
