Aechmea giganticea is a perennial bromeliad that is native of Venezuela.
It is an upright plant with leaves that are pale green and turn to yellow orange when planted in full sun.
The flower consists of a large cluster of pink bracts and pale pink to cream flowers borne from a central spike. The flowers can last for several months.
Once the plant has flowered it will produce pups around the base of the plant. The pups will take nutrients from the dying parent plant and can be removed and replanted when they reach about a third of the parent.
The strap-like leaves are leathery and have backward facing spines along the leaf margin. They are very sharp so take care when handling them, gloves are recommended.
The leaves grow in a rosette formation creating a well in the centre that collects and stores water for the plant. When watering these always ensure that the well is filled with water as most of the water is absorbed through modified cells at the base of the leaves.
This species seem to be rarely cultivated, growers preferring other species like Aechmea blanchetiana.