Guzmania conifera is a spectacular evergreen, herbaceous bromeliad with glossy, strappy dark green leaves up to 80cms long that splay outwards to herald the arrival of a central 40-60cms stem, atop which will emerge a cone-shaped inflorescence which is a just vibrant ball of colour.
The floral bracts which make up this amazing beacon-like bloom are bright red with golden yellow tips and they last for several months.
This is an epiphytic or terrestrial bromeliad so as such it does not rely entirely upon its roots for nutrition and moisture rather more it stores moisture in the central well of the rosette of leaves to draw upon as required.