It's sad, huh? But that is th-e way of the bromeliad. They bloom once, lasts for many weeks. Then the mother plants die a few weeks-months after. What a life! If you are lucky, mom will have 4-6 babies "Pups" and in 4 more years, sigh, yes I know a loo-oong wait, it might bloom for you the most lovely bloom again, lasting 3-6 weeks. Trust me it is worth the wait and the trouble and the patience it takes to grow one. BTW, pineapples grow this way, too. UP comes the pineapple, down goes momma plant.
PS my hubbies first house/bed-room was decorated in dark brown and r-ed. Yes, agre-e. Fashion AND dec-orating faux pas!
