Ceratostema Loucianae 
(formerly traded as C. 'Villosa')

Long circulated in the collector trade under the informal name 'Villosa' — a reference to its distinctive soft, fine-haired, almost velvety leaves — this plant was eventually formally described as a distinct species, Ceratostema loucianae. It had previously been sold variously as C. rauhii var. villosa, C. 'Villosa', and occasionally attributed to other species, a taxonomic ambiguity that reflects how rapidly this corner of Andean Ericaceae is being documented. The 'Villosa' trade name persists in cultivation because the plant's identity by that name is well-established among growers. What makes it particularly special beyond the vivid tubular flowers characteristic of the genus is its dense, soft indumentum — the fine hairs covering the elongated leaves give the foliage a tactile, plush quality that distinguishes it visually from the harder-leaved Ceratostema species — and its development over time of a spherical lignotuber at the base, a swollen woody caudex-like structure that adds another dimension of collector appeal to an already extraordinary plant.

As a high-elevation cloud forest epiphyte, this species requires cool to intermediate conditions with a meaningful nighttime temperature drop — daytime 64-79°F, nights dropping toward 55-65°F, which in many species of this genus appears to trigger and support flowering. Bright indirect light at 70-80% shade cloth equivalent with excellent airflow is essential; the hairy leaves are particularly susceptible to fungal issues if airflow is inadequate in high humidity. High humidity of 70-90% is required. Keep consistently but lightly moist — never waterlogged — in an acidic epiphytic substrate of ericaceous soil, fine bark, charcoal, and perlite, or mounted on cork bark or tree fern with sphagnum. Use rainwater or reverse osmosis water; Ericaceae are sensitive to mineral buildup and require the low-pH water chemistry of their cloud forest origins. Monthly fertilization with a low-pH ericaceous formula supports healthy growth. Note that this species is considered one of the more shipping-sensitive Ceratostema — acclimate immediately upon arrival and expect some adjustment period. Not known to be toxic to humans or pets.