We live in northeastern PA and have had a bromeliad for 20 years. Other than putting it in a larger pot, we have not done a thing with it. I mean it has been sitting on our deck every day for 20 years in all kinds of weather, 100 degree summers and below zero winters with all amounts of snow. This year, for the first time ever, it has been growing a stalk with what looks like flower buds on the top. It took about a month and a half to grow some 14". What is it exactly and why is it growing that stalk?

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