The bromeliad only blooms once and then dies. Therefore, the tropical ornamental plant is already busy trying to survive in the middle of the flowering period. Prudent hobby gardeners benefit from this property by dividing and propagating the plant. You can find out how to do this here.
How can I divide and propagate a bromeliad?
To divide a bromeliad, carefully separate the 8-10 cm side shoots with a sharp, disinfected knife. Pot the cuttings in lime-free, lean substrate and care for them at 25-30°C in partial shade until they need normal bromeliad care in 3-4 months.
Separating side rungs professionally – How to do it right
Once a bromeliad has faded, several offshoots can be clearly seen at its base. These side shoots are kindles that already have all the attributes of their mother plant. If division occurs prematurely, the young plants have no chance of survival, even with the best care. This is how you do it in an exemplary manner:
- Take off the side shoots at the earliest when they are 8 to 10 cm in size
- Ideally, a complete rosette of leaves has formed on the childel
Please use a sharp, disinfected knife to make the division. The withered mother plant has now completed its task and can be disposed of.
Potting and caring for offshoots - This is how it works
For each child, fill a growing pot with a lean, lime-free substrate, such as cactus or pricking soil. A piece of clay over the water drain prevents waterlogging. Plant a young bromeliad in the middle of the pot so that the soil reaches the lower leaves. Press the substrate and pour soft water into the funnel. Proceed as follows:
- Place the cultivation pot in a greenhouse or put a plastic bag over it
- Water regularly at 25 to 30 degrees Celsius in a partially shaded location
- Air the greenhouse or cover daily
If a fresh shoot signals successful rooting, the cover can be removed and the temperature reduced to normal room temperature. Experience has shown that the cultivation of the bromeliads results in the normal care program for an adult bromeliad after 3 to 4 months.
Tip
You can't just divide a pineapple plant vertically by separating the side shoots. You also have the option of horizontal division by cutting off the foliage on the ripe fruit. The lower leaves and the remaining pulp are removed from around the stalk. Then pot the stalk in lean substrate to let it root at 25 to 30 degrees Celsius and 80 percent humidity.
