Any chance we could see a picture? Most of the time stores sell plants that are already blooming, so I'm curious as to what you have. Blooming times varies considerably so it would be difficult to guess for you without knowing what you have and how big it is. The inflorescence that carries the flowers won't exactly appear over night, so in that regard it takes some time even after the process has begun.

Although I've never tried it, the apple trick has mixed results for people depending on what plant they use it on, etc. Even when it does work, the plant won't come into bloom for several weeks to a couple months afterword. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

I wish I could be of more help but if we could figure out what you have someone might be able to give you a better idea.

Here are some pictures of the plant, though I don't think they are very clear. I did some research and I think the plant that I have is called "Guzmania." It still isn't blooming.

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It has a bloom on it

Yes, that is the inflorescence you're looking at. Little individual flowers should open from each bract but they last only a day each. It's hard to tell whether that's happened yet or not, but it won't change the overall appearance of the plant. It's the colorful bracts that are the most showy aspect.

Here is a link that might be useful: Guz. Torch

Yes it has a bloom on it, but that's the way it looked when I bought it. It hasn't done anything since. I thought it would continue to bloom from the center.