Propagation on bromeliads
What's Happening
Bromeliads are monocarpic - they flower once then die. The mother plant produces offsets (pups/keikis) at the base that can be separated to create new plants. Premature separation or improper cutting technique causes offset failure.
How to Fix It
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1. Wait until the offset reaches 2/3 the size of the mother plant before removal
- 2
2. Attempt gentle wiggling side to side and back and forth to detach naturally
- 3
3. If needed, use a serrated knife to cut vertically between offset and mother plant
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4. Let the removed offset sit for 24 hours to dry out (callous) the cut surface
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5. Dip the cut end in powdered rooting hormone (e.g., Hormex)
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6. Plant in appropriately sized pot with well-draining bromeliad mix
How to Prevent It
Allow offsets to mature to at least 2/3 of mother plant size before separation to ensure independent survival.