Habitat and Location: 
Ceratostema loucianae, described in July 2024 this species is found in one small locality in Ecuador. The habitat is cloud forest and plants grow as an epiphyte. This species is close to Ceratostema rauhii.
 
Description: 
Ceratostema loucianae grows higher in the canopy where its pendent stems can reach 3 metres long. The leaves and flowers are covered with white trichomes (hairs), the inflorescences are short and produce solitary flowers which measure 3-4 cm and hang under the leaves. 
 
This species grows well in a greenhouse or humid conservatory. Plants will grow indoors if grown in a basket and given humidity.
 
Care Instructions: 
Ceratostema loucianae thrives in moderate shade and can tolerate slightly brighter light conditions but grows best with shade. Plants should be grown on a tree fern or cork mount with moss underneath the roots. Plants can also be grown in a basket or hanging pot. A potting media needs to be a rich mixture of ericaceous soil, fine bark, charcoal and perlite. Keep plants well-watered, mist mounts daily. Misting the plant regularly helps maintain the high humidity levels it prefers, especially when grown indoors. However, as always care must be given when misting as water should not stay on the leaves for long when there is a lack of air movement.
 
Maintain an intermediate environment with daytime temperatures ranging from 20-29 degrees Celsius and nighttime temperatures between 12 and 19 degrees Celsius. Ceratostema loucianae benefits from high humidity, so place the plant near a hydrofogger. Fertilize every water with a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer to promote healthy growth and flowering.
 
Specifications:
Plant Size: Typically grows over two metres long, these plants are 15-25 cm
Family: Ericaceae
Plant Passport: A Ceratostema loucianae B 140084 c 9804 d GB