How to Propagate Bromeliads
I got a new bromeliad yesterday. It has the pink flower and has also has a pup. I was wondering if I could repot it and separate the pup while its blooming? The pot is 6″ wide but only 3″ tall and the roots are sticking out of the top of the soil. If I do repot, what size pot would you suggest?
Hi Breana,
Silver Urn Bromeliad
Bromeliads are propagated using the “pups” or offsets that grow at the base of the plant. Wait until these offsets are at least 6” (15 cm) in size before digging them up and planting them in a 4” pot of their own.
The longer the pups are left attached to the mother plant, the better they will grow once planted on their own. If the pups have roots that’s great, but roots are not necessary for them to survive.
Use a sharp, sterilized knife or scissors to remove pup (offset), cutting as close to the mother plant as possible.
Once the pups have been removed, simply replace the soil around the mother plant and it should continue to provide you with additional offsets though there won’t be any more flowers.
Dip the cut ends of the pup in a LITTLE fungicide with rooting hormone before planting it in a small 4″ pot with a light, fast-draining soil. When planting the new baby bromeliad be careful not to plant too deeply.
It will take at least 2-3 years for the new bromeliad to bloom.
When you repot the Mother plant use a container that is 6″wide and about 5″-6″ deep. Be sure the container has drip hole in the bottom.
