Propagation
Sow fresh seed during spring and maintain a temperature of 19ş to 27ş C. (66ş to 81ş F).
Division of offsets during spring.


Botanic information
Leaf: The long leathery linear leaves are concave with sharp spiny margins and a long acuminate apex and is up to 33mm (1Ľin) wide. The upper surface is dark green and the underside is yellow-green. The leaves are arranged in a basil rosette and arch or become bent with age.

Flower: The small tubulate flowers have 3-sepals and 3-imbricate petals up to 6mm (Ľin) widethat are maroon at the base and white above. They are arranged in an upright spike that has white hairs and is accompanied with bright red spiny bracts that clasp the base.
The inflorescence is up to 1.2m (4ft) tall and up to 70mm (2? in) thick and appears during early summer.

Fruit: The ovoid yellow berry contains large brown seeds without appendages. The seeds are viable but the plant is commonly reproduced vegetatively.


Culture
Temperature
The plants require a minimum temperature of 12.7şC (55şF)and may require a temperature of 24şC (75şF)to produce flowers.

Light
Most exotic bromeliaeds require bright indirect light only plants simular to Pineapples requiring full sun.

Water
These plants require well drained media and should be watered regular and kept moist but not wet. The vase forms should be filled with fresh water monthly and a humid environment is required. This may be achieved with regular misting of the foliage. Foliar fertiliser may be sprayed onto the foliage every 4 to 5 weeks during summer.