One of my kids gave me a bromeliad for Mother's Day. It had this gorgeous, sexy pink but spiked exotic bloom. My instructions were to "Keep it alive." I looked the species up on the internet, determined to "keep it alive." What I found out is that it dies. It's supposed to die. The plant has "puppies" I find, then it dies. Then I am supposed to plant and tend three puppies because mamma is dying and can't nurture them anymore. Heaven help me - is there any more I need to do?
Actually, I'm joking - the idea of propagating three more plants with a value of $30.00 or so apiece appeals to me. Maybe I can start a bromeliad breeding business? I'll get some soil today, there are pots in the garage if I can find them and go for it. I'm sure they will have to come inside late January and early February. We'll see what I am made of. I hope I don't inadvertently kill any puppies.
