I don't know if this will help, but here's a Neoregelia with a spent inflorescence in the center and a pup growing above. (Bottom photo) In these, the flowering stalks don't rise above the center, but bloom down inside.

The other photo is of a Guzmania bloom surrounded by the colorful bracts. These fade to a light green after the smaller true blooms are gone, then then fall away. This may be more what you are talking about. (Top photo)

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Patty
Pahsimeroi, Idaho

Dendrobates: auratus blue, auratus Ancon Hill, tinctorius azureus, leucomelas. Phyllobates: vittatus, terribilis, lugubris. Epipedobates: anthonyi tricolor pasaje. Ranitomeya fantastica, imitator, reticulata. Adelphobates castaneoticus, galactonotus. Oophagia pumilio Bastimentos. (updated systematic nomenclature)