Compost King
Free Ranging
I might have a another pineapple tomorrow and do both methods.I am pretty dern good at pineapple propagation and the method you are using I do not believe will end in good results. I usually start peeling the lower leaves off until I see root nodules and once I have 10-20 of those exposed I plant it.
Top watering the inner nodal leaf roots is the most effective in its first 2 months until roots actually develop then and only then can you water the soil and expect the roots to take up the water. Hey maybe you are lucky I will look for a youtube video for the method I use with 100% success. Been at it for about 5 years and the bunnies always thank me for my time and effort. Some day I will beat them to my fruit. 18-24 months until harvest via this method.