The plant can grow on tree branches and trunks as an epiphyte or in the ground.

Leaves are silvery-green or green on top; undersides may be white, gold or silver.

Flowers bloom in long spikes in colors including yellow, purple and red.

Female plants have small orange-yellow berries which are eaten by birds.

Two other species: Astelia argyrocoma and the rare and endangered A. waialealae are restricted to the island of Kauaʻi.