How to prune boat-leaf orthophytum

After the flower spike fully dries post-bloom. Use sterilized scissors to snip the dead flower spike at the base. Peel or cut away dead outer leaves close to the stem. Detach rooted pups once they are at least one-third the size of the parent plant and pot in a gritty, well-draining mix.

As needed; once per flowering cycle. Boat-Leaf Orthophytum (Orthophytum navioides) needs very little pruning. It is a compact terrestrial bromeliad; the rosette flowers once then dies back while producing offsets. Simply remove the spent flower spike and dead outer leaves as they brown. Beyond that, let the plant be — healthy leaves should not be cut.

Use sterilized scissors to snip the dead flower spike at the base. Peel or cut away dead outer leaves close to the stem. Detach rooted pups once they are at least one-third the size of the parent plant and pot in a gritty, well-draining mix.