A compact grower with clumps of evergreen, strap shaped leaves and spikes of scarlet bracts surrounding tubular yellow to creamy yellow flowers that are usually produced in summer. It is a very easy to grow bromeliad and can be either grown in an open, humus rich, well drained compost or as an epiphyte attached to a tree branch or cork bark.

Usually grown as a houseplant and we were told it will only tolerate short spells at -1c but our experimental plants (the plants we now propagate from) have gone much lower without damage and have survived -5c in our coastal garden. It really does need a sheltered spot to survive these low temperatures and ours are planted beneath the shelter of a Eucalyptus with very well drained soil.

Position in full sun to part shade but regularly spray the foliage in summer if growing in full sun. Equally as happy on a bright windowsill or growing in a terrarium. Maximum height around 40cm.

Sent as a young plant in a 9cm pot.