Pineapple just got checked.
This looks most consistent with a pineapple plant that has finished or is nearing the end of its fruiting cycle. The lower leaves turning yellow/brown and the plant no longer standing strongly on its own fit normal post-fruiting decline and age-related senescence. The fruit turning yellow is not what kills it by itself; rather, the mother plant gradually weakens after fruiting, even if roots and stem are sound. Some browning of the oldest leaves is expected, but if the crown and newer leaves stay firm and green, the plant may still be producing pups/offsets.
Keep the plant steady and remove only dead outer leaves
Support the plant, keep watering modest and even, and focus on the crown and any pups at the base. Remove only fully brown, dry outer leaves. If there are offsets/pups, those are the future plants.
Also possible, but less likely
What would prove it
Watch the crown and base for pups
If the center crown stays firm and green, the plant is following a normal pineapple life cycle. If the whole plant rapidly softens, smells off, or browning moves into the newest leaves, then revisit water and root issues.
Turn this into a recovery case
One photo gives a diagnosis. Tracking proves whether the plant is recovering.
Don’t leave the diagnosis hanging 🌱
Save it now, then use the next photo to confirm if this was the right call.
Create account & save plant 🌱