Hi mrdavid - possibly Aechmea Primera or one of the Aechmea fasciata hybrids.

the child or pup can be taken off when half size or more of the mother and potted in a free draining mix.

Hope this helps - cheers Richard

Thanks for the reply, Richard. You were dead on. I searched for Aechmea Primera and the pics I've seen looked exactly like mine.

When you say free draining mix, do you mean something that drains easily? I read that I should put pebbles at the bottom so that water doesn't sit. Should I still add potting mix? I also read that bromeliads are air plants and that they don't even need soil. If that's the case, can I just have pebbles in the pot? What is your mix?

Lastly, when the pup gets to at least half its mother's size, do I just take a knife and cut to separate them?

Sorry for the many and elementary questions.

Hi again - mix or growing medium is different for nearly every grower I know. But yes a free draining mix is important - Try to speak to someone in your area!
My mix is potting mix and orchid bark 5-10mm ratio 40/60%

Yes to just cutting the pup off - as close to mum as possible - not through the base of the pup.

Cheers

I appreciate all your advice.