Furcraea foetida is an evergreen perennial subshrub, stemless or with a short stem up to 1 m tall. The leaves are sword-shaped, 1 to 1.8 m long and 10 to 15 cm broad at their widest point, narrowing to 6 to 7 cm broad at the leaf base, and to a sharp spine tip at the apex; the margins are entire or with a few hooked spines. The flowers are greenish to creamy white, 4 cm long, and strongly scented; they are produced on a large inflorescence up to 7.5 m tall. The plant is cultivated in subtropical and tropical regions for products and as an ornamental plant for gardens. Its leaves are used to produce a natural fiber similar to sisal.

Full sun is best, but Furcaria will do just fine in light shade as well. These are good plants for a south-facing exposure or unobstructed east- or west-facing window. Furcaria are drought resistant due to their large root system: watering them infrequently (though more so during their bloom in summer and spring) will be fine. Be careful not to overwater. As with most succulents, standing water can be lethal.