Elwood neoregelia has thick flat maroon leaves that form a central rosette from which a dark red flower spike appears. It grow to be about eighteen inches high and wide.

Neoregelias are the largest genus of bromeliads. These epiphytes are native to the rainforests of South America where they are found growing on tree branches and on rocks where they receive strong filtered light. Neoregelias are regarded as having the most beautiful and diverse foliage of all the bromeliads, although their flowers are not tall and barely rise about the central cup of the plant's rosette. This central cup often collects moisture and can support a range of fauna including insects and frogs. Good quality light is necessary to develop and maintain leaf colors. Since this plant is epiphytic it is essential that it be grown in freely draining soil. This plant is not hardy in Chicago but can be successfully overwintered indoors.