Question
For years, I have tried to identify this plant. Long "blades" like sanseveria, tiny, sharp barbs aroung edge of blade, green to mauve coloring with cream speckles. Winter blooms resembling bird of paradise. The blooms are red.  When the end of the bloom opens, there is a 3 petal flower which is blue with yellow center. Beautiful!!!!

Answer
Hi Nancy,

Attempting to ID a plant without a photo is always dicey, in part because 10 different people will describe the same plant in 10 different ways.

There are not many flowering plants with "blade" type leaves with serrated edges. The only one that comes to my mind is the Aechmea fasciata, which is in the Bromeliad (Pineapple) family, but the flower description does not match well with what you have written.

Please post a photo here or email me a photo at my address below.

Visit my website at www.HorticulturalHelp.com
or email me at [email protected]
or call me at 917-887-8601 (EDT)
  
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC