Ceratostema Gualaquizensis var. Laciniata

Newly described in 2024, Ceratostema gualaquizensis, the laciniata variety distinguishes itself from the type and the tubularis form through its notably narrower leaves with characteristically wavy, lacerate margins — laciniata being the Latin for slashed or fringed, a direct reference to the undulating leaf edges that give this variety an added layer of textural distinction. Like all C. gualaquizensis, it is a pendant epiphytic shrub from the cloud forests of the Gualaquiza municipality in Morona-Santiago Province, southeastern Ecuador, collected at approximately 1,350 meters elevation in the Cordillera Real of the Andes. The flowers follow the species pattern — solitary, axillary, tubular, in vivid magenta with dramatically spreading black-tipped lobes — but the foliage character is the key differentiator here, with the wavy-margined narrower leaves creating a more delicate, finely textured silhouette than the broader convex leaves of the type variety. An extremely recent introduction to cultivation, available almost exclusively through Ecuagenera, and as rare in collections as a freshly described Andean endemic can be.

Bright filtered light replicating dappled cloud forest canopy, cool to intermediate temperatures ideally between 55-72°F, consistently light moisture in a very open epiphytic mix of sphagnum, bark, and perlite with excellent drainage and strong airflow. High humidity of 70-85% supports both foliage quality and flowering, and the wavy leaf margins of this variety may be particularly sensitive to dry air, which causes marginal browning. Feed lightly at low dilution with a balanced fertilizer during active growth. Not known to be toxic to humans or pets.