I have a bromeliad, type unknown.
It has 2 pups and the old inflorescence is fading,but doesn't seem ready to be pulled out What do I do with it to keep the new growth?
Thank you:) Paula Burns
Thank you:) Paula Burns
Answer
Hello Paula,
Bromeliads generally bloom only once. After blooming, the "mother" plant has energy to produce "pups", which can be separated from the mother plant and cultivated themselves. The mother plant generally dies back, and eventually will not be worth keeping. However, if the mother plant still looks viable, you might see if it continues to produce pups. Here is a good website with information on how to divide and repot bromeilads, which you might find helpful:
http://www.stevefalcioni.com/2009/11/04/dividing-repotting-bromeliads/
Have fun with this project!