Hi everyone, this is my first pink quill and it looks like I’ve got some new growth! Should I cut off the old flower so it can focus on its new growth or just leave it? If it’s recommended I cut it off, should I cut it at the top or the base? Thanks in advance for everyone’s help!
always cut at the base 👍🏻 (i would cut it, personally)
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Your friend's plant is a **Pink Quill** (*Tillandsia cyanea*), which is part of the bromeliad family. After blooming, it's common for the flower to dry out and the plant to start focusing on producing new growth or pups. Here's what your friend can do: ### Should You Cut Off the Old Flower? - **Yes, Remove the Old Flower:** Once the pink quill flower has dried and turned brown, it's a good idea to cut it off. This allows the plant to focus its energy on growing new pups and leaves instead of supporting a dying flower. ### How to Cut the Old Flower: - **Where to Cut:** Cut the flower spike as close to the base of the plant as possible. This helps ensure a clean removal and prevents the remaining stalk from decaying and potentially affecting the plant. - **How to Cut:** Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to make a clean cut. This minimizes the risk of introducing pathogens to the plant. ### Care After Removing the Flower: - **Light:** Place the Pink Quill in bright, indirect light to encourage healthy growth. - **Watering:** Water the plant by misting it regularly or soaking the base in water for a few minutes, then allowing it to dry completely. Avoid letting water sit in the center of the plant, as this can cause rot. - **Humidity:** These plants enjoy higher humidity levels, so consider misting them or placing a humidifier nearby if the air is dry. - **Wait for Pups:** After the main plant blooms, it will eventually produce pups (offsets) at the base. These can be separated and planted individually once they are large enough, or they can be left to grow alongside the mother plant. By removing the old flower spike, your friend can help the Pink Quill plant focus on new growth and eventually produce pups. This is a natural part of the plant's life cycle, and with proper care, it will continue to thrive.
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