How to prune pink quill

After the inflorescence fades; pup separation once they reach one-third of mother's size. Cut the spent flower spike cleanly at the base with sterile scissors once it browns. As the mother declines, gently remove dried outer leaves. Separate pups by hand or with a clean blade, each with a small root base, then pot or mount individually.

Once per bloom cycle; otherwise rarely. Pink Quill (Tillandsia cyanea) is a bromeliad that needs almost no pruning. The vivid pink inflorescence lasts weeks; once it fades, cut the spent spike at its base. Like all bromeliads, the mother plant dies after flowering — remove it when fully brown. Pups that form at the base will bloom in 1-2 years.

Cut the spent flower spike cleanly at the base with sterile scissors once it browns. As the mother declines, gently remove dried outer leaves. Separate pups by hand or with a clean blade, each with a small root base, then pot or mount individually.