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Problem with bromeliads

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From: Kristy Sanchez City: Erie, CO
I have a greenhouse that I keep all my bromeliads. Whenever I buy one, it gets a large flower, like it is supposed to. I grow up the offsets and when they bloom, it is always a small insignificant flower. What am I doing wrong?
	Extension Message From: Richard Hentschel Extension Educator, Horticulture DuPage/Kane/Kendall Unit hentsche@illinois.edu
Genetically the offshoots are identical to plant that created them with the same potential for growth and flowering. the offsets (pups) should be allowed to grow until they begin to produce their own roots. Since you have a greenhouse, I will assume humidity, growing media and light are correct. If you are fertilizing while young, limit that after 4-5 months so flowering is promoted. The final size of the plant will influence the size of the flower bud.
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