How to prune cryptanthus 'ruby'

Any time for dead-leaf removal; post-bloom once pups are established. Gently pull dead outer leaves downward and free them at the base. When the mother rosette declines after flowering, detach offsets with a clean knife once they are several centimetres tall and have a small root system, then pot individually.

Rarely — as needed for dead foliage; one post-bloom pup division. Cryptanthus 'Ruby' is a colourful earth star bromeliad that needs very little pruning. Remove dead outer leaves by peeling them away at the base. After it blooms, the rosette will die back — wait for pups to reach 5–8 cm before separating and potting them up to propagate the ruby colouration.

Gently pull dead outer leaves downward and free them at the base. When the mother rosette declines after flowering, detach offsets with a clean knife once they are several centimetres tall and have a small root system, then pot individually.