This species is native to Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Bolivia, and Paraguay where it grows at elevations of 150 to 3,000 feet.

[1][2][3][4] Bromelia balansae is a large terrestrial bromeliad somewhat resembling the pineapple.

Bromelias contain green leaves that grow 2–4 feet long with very sharp spines.

When prepared to bloom, the center of the plant becomes bright red and then white prior to releasing an orange fruit - for its flower the plant is known as the "heart of flame".

It was described as the most commonly cultivated bromelia in a book from the last century and may be used as fencing due to its large and rapid growth.