Ceratostema Pepeportillae Ceratostema pepeportillae

A recently described epiphytic species from the cloud forests of Ecuador, C. pepeportillae has attracted attention as a notably larger-growing species — distinguished by its impressive size relative to many genus-mates — with the characteristic pendant epiphytic shrub habit, coriaceous leaves, and the axillary tubular flowers adapted for hummingbird pollination that define the genus. As with all newly introduced Ceratostema, it arrives in cultivation directly through the nursery network responsible for its description, making provenance and botanical accuracy unusually reliable for a plant this recently documented. An extraordinary addition to any serious Ericaceae collection, representing the current frontier of Andean cloud forest botanical discovery.

As an Andean cloud forest epiphyte, C. pepeportillae requires conditions that faithfully replicate its cool, perpetually moist origins. Provide bright filtered light equivalent to dappled cloud forest canopy — 70-80% shade cloth equivalent — with excellent airflow at all times to prevent fungal issues. Cool to intermediate temperatures are preferred: 65-77°F during the day with a meaningful nighttime drop to 50-60°F. High humidity of 60-80% is essential. Keep the medium consistently but lightly moist in an open, acidic epiphytic mix — cork bark or tree fern mounting with sphagnum, or a coarse bark and perlite blend with excellent drainage. Use rainwater or reverse osmosis water to avoid mineral accumulation on the sensitive root system. Feed lightly with a low-pH ericaceous formula during active growth. Not known to be toxic to humans or pets.