Struggling with Tillandsia Bulbosa — would appreciate advice

I want to be honest: I'm not getting great results with Tillandsia Bulbosa and I'm not entirely sure why. scale insects or mealybug in the leaf bases has been a recurring problem despite my attempts to address it. I've been focusing on providing bright indirect light or outdoor shade in summer based on everything I've read.

flowers only once in a lifetime but produces offsetting pups after is there in glimpses, which tells me the plant has potential in my conditions. I have it in attached to a seashell or stone for a natural arrangement which might not be ideal. reduced watering needed in cool winter months indoors showed some improvement. Two stars for now — not the plant's fault, but not a success yet. I'll update if things improve.