​🌳 Habitat and Ecology
​Ceratostema kiatana is a new species of epiphytic shrub (or terrestrial) belonging to the Ericaceae (Andean blueberry) family. It is native to Ecuador, specifically collected in the Zamora Chinchipe province. It grows in the Andean cloud forests, thriving at an elevation of approximately 1,550 metres. This habitat is characterized by cool, misty conditions and requires a highly porous, acidic substrate. This species was formally described in 2025 in the inaugural issue of Andreettana.  
​🌺 Description and Distinguishing Features
​This plant is an elegant, woody epiphytic shrub with young branches that are erect.  
​Vegetative Morphology: It is distinguished by the absence of lignotubers. The leaves are spiral, ovate, with obtuse apices and bases, and have entire margins. The leaf blades are coriaceous (leathery), 2.2-2.8 cm long, and appear darker green and shiny on the upper surface.  
​Flowers (Morphology): The plant produces a solitary, pendent flower (unlike the racemose inflorescences of close relatives). The corolla is red, tubular, sub-infundibular (funnel-shaped), and large, measuring 23.5-24.7 mm long (excluding the lobes). The lobes are five, narrowly triangular, red, spreading, and recurved. The plant also has fewer stamens (five) compared to similar species which have ten.  
​Differentiation: C. kiatana is distinguished from C. campii by the absence of lignotubers (vs. present). It also differs from C. madisonii by having solitary flowers (vs. racemose) and five stamens (vs. 10). The species is named in honour of Dr. Kiat Tan, former director of the Botanical Garden of Singapore.  
​💧 Cultivation and Care
​Ceratostema kiatana is a challenging cool-to-intermediate growing plant that requires stable, cool conditions. It is best suited for a cool greenhouse or humid cabinet in the UK.  
​Light: Needs bright, filtered light. Protect it strictly from harsh, direct sun.  
​Substrate: The medium must be acidic and exceptionally porous; use an epiphytic ericaceous mix of orchid bark, perlite, and a minimal amount of synthetic peat or coir.  
​Watering: Keep the medium evenly and consistently moist; do not allow it to dry out. Use tepid, soft water.  
​Temperature: Requires a distinct cool period to thrive and bloom.
​Daytime: 18-25 C (64-77 F)
​Nighttime: Cool temperatures are essential, ideally 10-16 C (50-61 F).
​Humidity: High humidity (70-80%+) and excellent air circulation are mandatory.  
​✨ Unique Features
​This recently described Andean endemic is a highly sought-after plant. It is valued for its unique solitary flowers in vibrant crimson-red and its lack of a lignotuber, which distinguishes it morphologically within the genus. Its elegant, woody, and pendent habit makes it a spectacular feature plant.  
​🏷️ Specifications
Plant Size propagations from our stock plants, plants 20 cm tall.
Plant Family Ericaceae
Plant Passport A Ceratostema kiatana B 140084 C [buyer to use number of the plant label] D GB