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Some bromeliads, such as Aechmea calyculata and Billbergia nutans, almost continuously produce offshoots, and parent plants live on for one or several years. Consequently these plants grow into large clusters. Eventually they be­come too numerous and overgrow even a large pot; you should then divide and repot them to restore their vitality.

Remove the plant cluster by inverting it and striking the rim of the pot against the edge of the table. This may require a solid jolt as roots will have filled the pot and they cling tightly. Then, take a large, sturdy knife and cut the root ball lengthwise to make two equal-sized clusters of plants. Try not to sever the plants above the roots while cutting; rather tease them apart. You can replant these two halves or continue cutting and dividing until you have four or eight clusters. Be sure each cluster has four to ten healthy plants, as groups of this size are attractive and will reproduce rapidly. Cut out dead and old, weak plants so only vigorous ones are repotted. Trim the lower portion of the root ball if it is too large. Then, repot each cluster in the appropriate-sized pot and potting medium.

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