This species is one of over 40 from the genus Hechtia. It is a evergreen terrestrial perennial native to the forests and rocky terrain of Central America.
This is a compact plant that will grow well in a pot or garden bed, it has a clumping habit and creates attractive colonies of plants.
The grey green pubescent leaves are plump, narrow and tapering with spines along margin. The fine hairs are heaviest in strong sunlight and are used to reflect bright sunlight away from the leaves.
After heavy rain the leaves' pubescent coat may be washed away and appear quite smooth.
During spring pink flowers appear on a 60mc flower spike that grows from the centre of the leaf rosette.
Like most Bromeliads, the plant dies after flowering, although not always right away.