Ceratostema medinae

A spectacular newly described species from Andean cloud forests, Ceratostema medinae captivates with its pendulous clusters of vivid scarlet tubular flowers with recurved petal tips — a hallmark of hummingbird-pollinated Ericaceae.

• Light: Bright indirect light; replicates the filtered canopy light of cloud forest environments. Avoid harsh direct sun, which can scorch the foliage.
• Temperature: Cool- to intermediate-growing. Ideal range: 50–68°F (10–20°C). Cool nights promote flowering and are highly beneficial.
• Humidity: 75–90%. High ambient humidity is essential; best grown in a terrarium, cool greenhouse, or humid shaded environment.
• Watering: Keep the substrate consistently moist but well-drained. Never allow to dry out completely; epiphytic roots are sensitive to desiccation.

Additional Notes:

Flowers are elongated and tubular, deep scarlet-red with a yellow-green base and elegantly recurved lobes, borne in pendant clusters directly from reddish stems. Leaves are elliptic-lanceolate, glossy green, and leathery. A rare collector's species with significant scientific interest, ideal for cool cloud forest collections and advanced Ericaceae enthusiasts.