This species is native to Central America, southern Mexico, Colombia and Ecuador.

[6] The long green leaves feature fierce spines and may reach about 2.5 meters tall.

[9] A. magdalenae uses crassulacean acid metabolism, meaning that it takes in carbon dioxide during the night, stores it, and uses it during the day to produce carbohydrates (allowing its stomata to stay closed during the day, which limits water loss).

[10] Aechmea magdalenae is grown in southern Mexico for its silky fibers.

[7] Many in Central and northern South America use the sap from the leaves to prevent infection in wounds, a practice that is effective because the plant has been found to contain acetic acid, which is strongly antibacterial.