| General Description | A large bromeliad that grows in a rosette 0.9 m or more. It grows as an epiphyte on large trees, but also survives on the ground. |
| ID Characteristic | This is a variable species: Some plants have leaves that are yellowish green with red tips and red spines; some have red striped leaves; some have red cross bands; and others have leaves that are mostly red. |
| Shape | Spreading plant.
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| Landscape | Works well as a tropical plant, in a container, shade garden or specimen plant.
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| Propagation | Propagated by the separation of offsets at the base of the plant.
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| Cultivation | Grows best in well drained, moist, organic soils with full or part shade and needs protection from afternoon sun.
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| Notable Specimens | Harry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando, Florida, United States of America.
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| Habitat | Coastal sand dunes of Marica, Brazil. |
| Leaf Description | Thick and leathery leaves, 0.9 m long and 5-7.5 cm wide with spiny margins reminiscent of an agave. |
| Flower Description | The inflorescence consists of a short unbranched stalk with many small violet flowers. The flowers are inconspicuous and generally obscured by the leaves, but the leaves anticipate the occasion and turn brighter red near their bases just before the plant begins to produce its flowers. |
