Find out how to get more flowers on bromeliad plants. This video shows how the mother bromeliad produces pups, which are baby plants that can be removed from the mother plant, and after grown for a few months, will produce their own flowers. Bromeliads only bloom once, but you can get more flowers from pups. The pups eventually become mother plants, and the process continues. This video shows you how to remove and pot up the bromeliad pups.
#healthyhouseplants #bromeliadcare #houseplantpropagation #indorplanttips #plantparenting
Welcome to HealthyHouseplants.com, your go-to source for gardening in the great indoors. If you’d like to support our show, please use the Amazon affiliate link below.
Today, we’re revisiting this beautiful bromeliad, which was featured in a previous care video when it was in bloom. In this video, you’ll learn what to do once the mother plant stops blooming to encourage new blooms from her pups.
Once the mother plant finishes blooming, she won’t bloom again. However, she produces pups (baby plants) around her base. These pups are clones of the mother and can bloom themselves once mature.
To encourage blooming in pups, they need to be separated and potted individually. Wait until the pups are about one-third to one-half the size of the mother plant. Keeping them in tight quarters may delay blooming, so potting them up is essential.
The longer a pup remains attached, the more developed its roots will be. Once separated, pups can produce bracts (the flower structure) within 2–4 months.
Use a rooting hormone when transplanting to encourage strong root development—especially important if a pup has minimal roots. Apply the hormone carefully and avoid inhalation. Water the mother plant before starting, as moist soil makes separation easier.
Use a sharp, serrated knife to cut pups as close to the mother as possible to retain roots. Be patient and avoid pulling, which can damage roots. Once separated, pups can be potted in well-draining soil. Julie recommends using a mix of Pro Mix, worm compost, perfect pumice, rock dust, and Green Gourmet houseplant food.
Use pots that aren’t too large to prevent excess moisture, which can lead to rot. Pot the pups, add soil, and gently water. While bromeliads can take water in their center tank, it’s best indoors to mist them or water the soil directly, especially during root development.
Maintain high humidity and warmth, but avoid soggy soil. Medium to bright indirect light works best. If the pup is unstable, support it with stakes or containers. You can also use a humidity dome or enclosed environment—but monitor for fungus.
When new leaf growth appears, it signals successful root development. Once the plant outgrows its pot (two-thirds plant to one-third pot), repot into a slightly larger container.
The mother plant can continue producing new pups even after you’ve removed older ones, offering a continuous cycle of new bromeliads to enjoy or gift to friends.
Have fun watching your bromeliad pups bloom, and check the center for signs of color—it means a flower is on the way! Leave your questions or tutorial suggestions in the comments, and don’t forget to like, comment, subscribe, and hit the bell for notifications.
Bromeliad Pup Care and Propagation FAQs
What should I do when my bromeliad stops blooming?
Once a bromeliad stops blooming, the mother plant will not bloom again. However, it produces pups (baby plants) that can be separated and grown into blooming plants.
When is the best time to separate bromeliad pups?
Wait until the pups are one-third to one-half the size of the mother plant before separating. This ensures they have a better chance of survival and blooming.
Do bromeliad pups need rooting hormone?
Using a rooting hormone is recommended, especially if the pup has few or no roots. It encourages faster and more successful root development.
What type of soil is best for bromeliad pups?
Use a well-draining soil mix with ingredients like pumice, worm compost, rock dust, and a quality houseplant fertilizer. Avoid soil that retains too much moisture.
How should I water bromeliad pups after transplanting?
Keep the soil lightly moist but never soggy. Avoid filling the center tank with water indoors to prevent mosquito breeding. Mist the plant or water the soil directly.
Patreon: 
/ healthyhouseplants
One-time donation: https://ko-fi.com/healthyhouseplants
Sign up for my monthly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/g1PCSH
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I may earn commissions for purchases made through the links below.
Rooting Hormone: https://amzn.to/3GSRQlS
Green Gourmet Houseplant Food (contains worm compost): https://bit.ly/3e8OYoy
Perfect Pumice: https://bit.ly/3H1Qm9b
Promix BX potting soil: https://amzn.to/36hPRHB
Happy Frog potting soil: https://amzn.to/2TA6OKN