How to prune cryptanthus bromelioides

Any time for leaf removal; post-bloom once pups are 5–8 cm tall. Grasp dead outer leaves near the base and pull gently downward to detach cleanly. After flowering, allow offsets to reach a few centimetres before separating them with a clean knife and potting individually in a well-draining mix.

Rarely — remove dead leaves as they appear; one post-bloom division. Cryptanthus bromelioides (earth star bromeliad) needs very little pruning. Remove dead or yellowing outer leaves by peeling them away cleanly at the base. After the plant blooms, the rosette dies — leave pups to establish before removing the spent mother, or pot them up separately.

Grasp dead outer leaves near the base and pull gently downward to detach cleanly. After flowering, allow offsets to reach a few centimetres before separating them with a clean knife and potting individually in a well-draining mix.