I have a few different tropicals growing in containers. Some of which are a couple of pineapples. I didnt cut the top off a pineapple like you described. I actually twisted the top off and peeled back some of the leaves to expose the roots that are already there. I not sure I understand what you mean by,"I must have one of the largest collection of tropicals over there". I do have several satsumas trees planted in the ground, along with a moro blood orange,2 limes and 2 lemon trees. I only have one mango tree and I just recently planted it in the ground. I know I probally shouldn't have planted it,but I have a nice shelter built for it when cold weather comes and I want to see if I can keep it alive.