How to make a bromilard plant bloom?

Question

How to make a bromilard plant bloom?

Answer 1

Patience is the only way.  Bromeliads will bloom when they're two years old, not before.  Sometimes it takes 3 years.  

After the plant blooms, it will send out "pups" from the roots,  sometimes only one or two, sometimes 5 or more.  Then the mother plant dies.  You can pick the pups off and plant them somewhere else or you can leave them where they're growing around the mother plant.  If you decide to move them, don't worry about them not having any roots.  Just stick the bottom of the plant into the dirt a couple inches, keep the area damp for a few days, and it'll grow new roots.

Answer 2

It takes time and high temperatures. You can try  the technique of placing the pot in a sealed plastic bag with a ripening apple for four days.

The easiest bromeliad to grow and to flower is Billbergia nutans.This grassy plant will produce its arching flower heads throughout the summer under ordinary room conditions. Keep the plant in a well-lit spot and do not overwater. Propagate by dividing old plants.

Answer 3

Brotty has the basics. If you want to hurry things along a bit you can bag your plants with pieces of overripe apples, peach or pears to produce ethylene. This allows you to control bloom times for special occasions.  RScott