These lovely little bromeliads are actually terrestrial plants (rather than epiphytes) growing in soil on the ground rather than on tree branches high up in the rainforest tree canopy. Originating from Brazil they thrive in areas of high humidity and dappled sunlight. Not particularly large plants each individual star like rosette usually only grows to 10 to 15cm in diameter with a similar height.

Insignificant white flowers are produced on occasions and appear from the centre of the crown. Once flowering is over the main rosette will start to die back but will be replaced by many pups that appear around the base. The red and pink stripped leaves taper to a point and have tiny teeth along the edges. Requires full sun to maintain the red colouration. Plants grown in lower light levels will revert back to green until given more light, then they take on the red colouration again. This also happens with plants in winter with the best colouration developing again in summer.

Only said to be hardy down to -1c but we have had them survive outside down to -5c with a well ventilated cloche lightly packed with dry straw and with a well drained soil. Plant in dappled shade if growing outside or in filtered light inside. They do not hold water in the crown like many bromeliads so water the pot rather than the plant and mist spray regularly. 

Sent as a young plant in a 5.5 cm pot.