scarlet star or vase plant is a bromeliad that  needs bright, but indirect light and warm temperatures to grow well, the green leaves, sometimes with dark crossbands, form a funnel-shaped rosette. the flower stem is usually shorter than the leaves. the flowerhead is globular with up to 50 flowers with white petals nestling in a bed of large red to pink bracts. the flowers often last 2 to 4 months.