Here is a little bit better close up of the bloom

Hi everyone.

Jannine - What type of plant is it? From what I can see, it looks like a Vriesea.

I have found that these plants, especially the "mass produced" ones from tissue culture will sometimes produce multiple offsets (pups) and occasionally these pups can revert to flower production and turn into an inflorescence instead of a new plant.

I have had it happen occasionally to a single new pup but never on multiples as you describe. On the other hand this may just be the normal colour of new pups as they emerge from the leaf axil.

What ever it is, it's certainly interesting, and worth following up so please keep the pictures coming as these new pups or inflorescences develop.

Does anyone else have another explanation as I can only relate what has happened to me and not generalise?

All the best, Nev.

I am pretty sure it is a Vriesea. I got it at Lowes in November. My little toads love to sit in this plant. Maybe the toad poop is encouraging blooming! I will take more photos as whatever they are grows and post them. Thanks.

Hi everyone.

Jannine - Progress pictures are always a good idea if you can't get an answer to a question as it gives members a better idea of what the problem is, and as they say "a picture paints a thousand words", it will save unnecessary typing as well.

All the best, Nev.

The extra bloom or whatever is beginning to grow taller.

Looks like a pup forming.

tj

Thank you. I didn't know a pup would start out red.

Hi everyone.

Jannine - Although pups usually start out green, they can and do sometimes start in different colours even white (albino) but you don't want these as they are useless and will die shortly after removal from the mother. Please keep the progress pictures coming, it will be interesting to see what eventuates.

All the best, Nev.

Thanks.