Ionantha Fuego Blooming

[poxkix]

Does “one time bloom then die” apply to all air plants?

My fuego is starting to bloom and it is my first time. How do I know or what does the flower look like when it is already in full bloom? I want to cut it just after it full blooms.

This is now on its 3rd day

 

[Marck]

Each individual leaf rosette of most Bromeliads will usually slowly die off after flowering, though that process can sometimes take as long as a year or more. Also, before and during this process, many Bromeliads will produce offsets, also known as 'pups', which will keep the plant alive, despite the death of the blooming rosette. Cutting of the flowers, will not necessarily prevent the rosette from dying, but a well grown Tillandsia ionantha will likely produce several offsets.
For best care, give your Tillandsia bright, indirect light or part sun. Water regularly. In a humid climate, twice a week would be a good rule of thumb, but do observe your plants to know that they are partly drying before being watered again. Also soak or dunk your Tillandsia with a complete liquid fertilizer once or twice a month.