This species is listed as Endangered in Florida. There was a reported sighting of it in Everglades National Park just before Hurricane Andrew (1992) by Roger Hammer and Jennifer Possley. Afterward, no plants were found. Dr. Frank Craighead was reported to have rescued parts of the plant and given it to a few friends for safekeeping. The plant has found its way into limited propagation but is rarely available for sale.  The species is not rare in the American tropics. Often grown by enthusiasts in hanging baskets or coconuts. Grows naturally on trees. Grows in organic soil or in coconut husks.

This plant is rare in Florida. It is much more common further north where it is absolutely spectacular in early spring. Specimen plant. It can be pruned into a hedge.

Found naturally in Florida in glades, which have marly soils, and in Alachua County, in shallow sands over marl deposits that cover the underlying limerock. Small specimen plant.