My Mom kills everything, so I rescued this brom from her house last night. It looks healthy, but it is about 12 inches across and in a 6 inch pot -is that too small or do they like to be root bound?
Thx.
Newbie has a potting question
A Neoregelia hybrid I'd guess. It wants strong light and high humidity (the later may be a challenge for you!). It's best to try to keep some rain water in the cup (also a challenge for you) - although you can collect the water given off by your air conditioner (it should be pretty pure) - I've never had to resort to that but then I don't live in Arizona!
A 6 inch pot is probably fine. Although these plants grow in trees in nature and derive water and nutriment through their leaves (epiphytes), they readily adapt to pot culture. Just don't pot them too deeply and use a well drained mix for potting.
From the coloring (and maybe an inflorescense forming in the cup - can't tell from the photo) it looks like it's about to flower. When it finishes (maybe before) you will see offsets beginning to grow from the bases of the leaf axils (way down there). When these "pups" are 1/3 to 1/2 the size of the original they can be carefull detached at their base (just try to detach it so that it has some woody part) and it will root easily.
Dave
To make an even more stunning display, find a unique piece of wood and mount it on the wood using natural unground peat moss and fishing line. You want to keep the base damp, but most importantly keep fresh water in the cup. Mist it often in your climate. I love bromeliads, not an expert though.