Propagating Bromeliad

Bromeliads are tropical beauties that can be propagated – but only if they have pups. No pups yet? Then your plant is still doing great. Most Bromeliads produce pups only when they near the end of their life cycle.

Wash your knife with hot water and soap. Then disinfect it with alcohol to prevent bacteria and fungi.

Gently take both the mother plant and the pup out of the pot. Carefully remove the soil to expose the roots. If you cannot separate the pup by hand, use a knife to cut it free.

Rinse the roots with lukewarm water to loosen the pup without damaging the roots.

If you want to encourage root growth, apply rooting powder to the cut area and let it dry completely.

Place the pup in fresh potting soil in a suitable pot. Water lightly right after planting. Keep the soil slightly moist and place the plant in a bright spot, out of direct sunlight.

It is normal for the pup to droop a bit at first – it just needs time to adjust and grow its own roots.

• When: spring or early summer

• Light: bright, indirect light

• Water: water after planting and keep soil lightly moist

• Patience: it may take a while for the pup to settle

• No pup yet: propagation is not possible without it

1. One year after propagation, place a ripe apple in the centre of the plant

2. Cover the plant and apple with a plastic bag

3. Leave it for three weeks

4. Remove the apple and the bag

5. Bloom usually appears within eight to sixteen weeks

These tips are based on our own experience with propagating Bromeliads. All methods are tested in our plant nursery and work well for beginners too.

Want to explore more propagation tips? Check out our other step-by-step plant guides.