A study was made on the development of the root system of pineapple, var. «Branco de Pernambuco», at 4, 8 and 12 months after the slips were planted and kept without irrigation in a red latosol. After 4 months, although alive, the plants have not rooted. At the 8th month, root system was developed and reached a depth of 1.30 m. This deepness did not increase, but the root weight doubled between the 8th and 12th month. About 95% of the root weight concentrated in the first 20 cm of the soil. The results indicated that although insuitable, the planting of the slips at the beginning of the dry season is possible.