Question
QUESTION: Hello,

I just noticed that my carnivorous Bromelaid had a flower stem starting to pop out, and I was wondering if it can fertilize itself, and if there are any special procedures I need to do.

ANSWER: Hi John,

I believe they do need to be cross-pollinated.  Ours have never produced seed, and all of the Brochinnia reducta from us are the same clone.  You might try asking about this on one of the bulletin board such as ICPS proboards or others.  General information on Bromeliad culture could be applicable too since they behave much like other Bromeliads.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I did some research and it looks like they die after having flowers, but that they also reproduce using pups.

Answer
Yes, this is true.  After they flower, the mother plant will produce pups.  As the pups mature, the mother plant dies off.  When the pups are mature enough, you can divide the clump.  This is the easiest method to propagate Brocchinia, and we demonstrate this process in our Volume 3 DVD.  

In regards to your original question about pollinating the flowers to get seeds, we don't have any experience with that.  However, I have seen Brocchinia seeds for sale on rare occasions.  We just don't know what it takes to get seeds, if that is what you intended.

Good growing!
Jacob Farin