Hi again - I just read an older post by Geniustolunatic that answered most of my question, though I'm still concerned about the lack of roots on the pups (that I can tell!)...

A picture or plant name would be helpful. Some plants look better grown in clumps, while others look better as single specimens

Sorry, no cam., but it was a big yellow flower, and it's not so much about what would look better in clumps, as what do I do about the lack of obvious (even skimpy) roots on the offsets (even tall ones that are starting to open now)?

Lucy, its a guess,but having a 'big yellow flower',I'd say you have a Guzmania. And they usually put out offsets just above the lowest bottom leaves,and are attached to the main stem there,and seldom show any roots. I leave them alone,and when the main plant begins to deterioate,I remove it,and let the offsets take over. If I do decide to separate them,and with the main plant removed,I divide the existing root system of the main plant among the offsets. I've found that rooting guzmania offsets a long and often unsuccesful process with my growing conditions.
Another feature of keeping the grouping,is that they usually flower together,and its an attractive sight.
All this is predicated on your plant being a guzmania,of course. Hope this was helpful,Bob

Thank you Bob, I think you may be right about the type, but I'll check it out. Thanks for the advice.