{"product_id":"ceratostema-lanigerum-neotropical-blueberry","title":"Ceratostema Lanigerum 'Neotropical Blueberry'","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCeratostema Lanigerum\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe most dramatically textured species in a genus already full of remarkable plants, \u003cem\u003eCeratostema lanigerum\u003c\/em\u003e earns its name completely — \u003cem\u003elanigerum\u003c\/em\u003e meaning \"wool-bearing\" in Latin, a direct and fully accurate description of the dense, whitish hairs 1.5-3mm long that coat virtually every surface of this plant: stems, leaves, petioles, flower pedicels, and even the corolla — everything softened and obscured by a thick, shaggy indumentum that gives the plant an almost otherworldly, snow-dusted quality. First described from Ecuador's Pastaza Province at around 1,200 meters elevation, it was originally placed in \u003cem\u003eSemiramisia\u003c\/em\u003e before being transferred to \u003cem\u003eCeratostema\u003c\/em\u003e by Luteyn in 1984. The leaves themselves are large and broadly ovate with amplexicaul — clasping — bases that partially wrap around the stem, and a frequently bullate (puckered) surface beneath the wool. Against this extraordinary white-furred backdrop, the pendant tubular flowers emerge in brilliant orange-red — a color combination of startling visual contrast that has made this one of the most sought-after species in the genus among collectors of unusual cloud forest epiphytes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis species is among the most cold-demanding \u003cem\u003eCeratostema\u003c\/em\u003e in cultivation — requiring daytime temperatures of just 60-68°F with nights dropping to 46-54°F, making it suitable primarily for cool greenhouse, highland growing cabinet, or very cool indoor environments. It is sensitive to heat above 77°F, which causes rapid decline. Bright filtered light at 60-70% shade with excellent airflow is essential. High humidity of 80-90% is required. Keep the substrate consistently moist but never waterlogged using soft water — rainwater or distilled — in an acidic epiphytic mix of ericaceous soil, fine bark, charcoal, and perlite, or mounted on cork or tree fern. Monthly fertilization with a low-pH ericaceous formula supports flowering. Rated as advanced difficulty — this is a specialist's plant that rewards precise environmental control with one of the most spectacular displays in the family. Not known to be toxic to humans or pets.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PLANTAMANI","offers":[{"title":"Juvenile","offer_id":45992449867941,"sku":"04CERAlanigerum_juvenile","price":50.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"4\"","offer_id":45378400420005,"sku":"04CERAlanigerum","price":70.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"4\" Long","offer_id":45601324695717,"sku":"04CERAlanigerum_XL","price":90.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0526\/9602\/3205\/files\/PXL_20250607_030055183_jpg.jpg?v=1749359404","url":"https:\/\/plantamani.com\/products\/ceratostema-lanigerum-neotropical-blueberry","provider":"Plantamani Plants","version":"1.0","type":"link"}