The hybrid of (baileyi x ionantha) is both a hybrid by Mulford Foster and also occurs naturally in northern Mexico. Normally a cute miniature with short, 3 inch leaves in an upright, somewhat bottle-shaped rosette. This form is much larger, about double, and came from a wild collection in Tamaulipas, Mexico (SEL79-0005A) a number of years ago. Like the ‘normal form’ this one has an inflorescence that is a short simple scape with purple flowers and a reddish flush that extends to the upper leaves. This is just a more robust form.

The Florida native form of this widespread species which has a range that runs from Florida and the Bahamas to Northern South America. An upright, tubular, vase-shaped plant with broadly tapering, spiraled leaves. The color is brownish-green with a coating of silver trichomes that normally forms in bands. The inflorescence is tall, thin and usually branched, normally green in Florida, but can be reddish sometimes. The flowers are arranged at right angles and are rosy/pink. Often a twig epiphyte in nature, it is easy to grow mounted. Keep warm, (above 40's) as this is an especially tropical species that in Florida is restricted to the southern Everglades and coastal regions of South Florida.