Someone gave me a big clump of Queen's Tears and I am in the process of potting it up. I pulled all of the rosettes apart, but the leaves don't look healthy - dried out, and I pulled off the dead leaves. Can I cut back the foliage till it's only a few inches long?
Queen's Tears - Billbergia nutans - Repotting Advice Needed
Hi Debbie, I wouldn't cut the foliage back too hard, but maybe use a pair of clean, sharp scissors to shape the ends by cutting off the dead/damaged tips. I'm not too sure how damaged your plants are, but it could take awhile to tidy them up. The new leaves only grow from the centre, and if you peel back too many outside layers, the stem will break.
I would suggest you tidy it up as best you can and wait for the pups/offsets, which will be nice and healthy. Keep them in the shade for a bit.
I hope this helps some
Sue
Thanks, WeedWoman. I took your advice. I had such a large clump to start with and ended up with about 8 pieces that I think are the healthiest. I took as many of the outer leaves off that I could.....and left the middle.