How to prune tillandsia recurvifolia

Any time for cosmetic trimming; post-bloom once pups are established. Use clean, sharp scissors to trim brown leaf tips at a slight diagonal to blend with the natural leaf shape. After blooming, allow offsets to grow to at least one-third the mother's size, then gently twist the mother free and discard it.

Rarely — as needed for dead growth, plus one post-bloom removal. Tillandsia recurvifolia is a low-maintenance air plant that rarely needs pruning. Trim any brown or dead leaf tips with clean scissors at a natural angle. After flowering, the rosette declines — wait until pups are well established, then remove the spent mother plant.

Use clean, sharp scissors to trim brown leaf tips at a slight diagonal to blend with the natural leaf shape. After blooming, allow offsets to grow to at least one-third the mother's size, then gently twist the mother free and discard it.