Hi zayco, pictures are worth a thousand words...do you know what kind of bromeliad it is? Depending on the brom, the snapping can usually be a good thing. The pup doesn't need roots to still be alive and healthy. Look at and feel the base of the pup. If it is firm and woody things are probably alright. If you can see the concentric rings of the leaf bases (from underneath) it won't make it. Gently tug at the inner-most leaves of the pup. If they pull out, that is bad.

If you don't know what kind of bromeliad it is, can you describe it? Color, size, shape? Are the leaves soft and smooth or do they have spines on the edges? Was the pup growing off the side or in between the leaves of the mother?

Good luck,
-andy

hey!!

it's SOMETHING like this one:
http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/uhmplants/Bromeliad.jpg

i just checked the bottom of the pups, and they do seem slightly "woody", albeit it didn't seem the way when i first detached them... then again I wasn't really taking any notice..

I gave gentle tugs to every single lower leaf on the pup, including the tiny ones almost inside, behind other leaves... and they were holding on pretty tightly.

If it is similar in shape to that one, its a guzmania. If the 'wound' is still moist, I would let it harden a day or two and then pot it up. Don't put it in too deep (it'll rot), sometimes it helps to prop it up with chopsticks or twigs/sticks. Don't keep it too moist/wet.

Good luck,
-andy

Hi Zayco,

It seems as though Andy has answered your question OK and I have nothing to add except to welcome you to our friendly forum.

It's good to see another Aussie join us and I'm sure you'll have an enjoyable time here.

It's a great place to ask questions and learn all about these wonderful plants as our members freely share their knowledge and experiences.

All the best, Nev.