Originating from the rainforests of Central America, northern and central South America, and southern Mexico, the Scarlet Star is an evergreen epiphytic perennial that has adapted to tree-dwelling. Its hard bracts have evolved to catch falling rainwater and debris, which, along with nutrients from decomposing matter in its host tree, absorbed through a clinging root system, sustain the plant​. Its globular flowerhead, hosting up to 50 small white flowers nestled in a bed of large red to pink bracts. Cultivars now provide different color bracts. This plant finds its use mainly as an ornamental piece, brightening up indoor spaces.