Habitat and Ecology ​
 
Sphyrospermum dissimile is a viney, often creeping epiphytic shrublet belonging to the Ericaceae family. Its native distribution spans Central America and the Andes, from Costa Rica and Panama through to North-Western Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. It is commonly found in tropical wet forests, premontane, and montane cloud forests at elevations ranging from 600 to 1,900 metres. It grows as a thin, wiry shrub, with stems interwoven amongst mosses and bryophytes, either along the forest floor or high in tree canopies, benefiting from the consistent moisture and humidity of its misty, high-altitude habitat. ​
 
Description ​
 
This species is characterised by its wiry, rambling stems, which can reach up to 1 metre in length and are often found interwoven amongst the substrate. The leaves are small, coriaceous (leathery), and ovate to elliptic in shape, measuring 1-3 cm long. The flowers are solitary or paired, borne on slender, pendent stalks. The corolla is campanulate (bell-shaped) and a striking dark red or maroon colour, measuring 7-10 mm long with spreading lobes. Following the attractive blooms, the plant produces distinctive, spherical berries that are translucent white when ripe, adding a unique, ghostly contrast to the dark foliage. ​
 
Cultivation ​
 
Sphyrospermum dissimile is a delicate, rare shrub that requires precise care to mimic its cloud forest origins. It needs bright, filtered light or partial sun and must be protected from any intense, direct midday sun. The growing medium is crucial: it should be a very open, acidic epiphytic mix consisting of chunky orchid bark, perlite, and a small amount of synthetic peat or long-fiber sphagnum moss. Keep the substrate consistently moist—never soggy—and allow the very top layer to dry slightly between waterings. High humidity (70%+) is essential for survival and growth. ​Optimal Daytime Temperature: 18-24 C (64-75 F) ​Optimal Nighttime Temperature: A noticeable cooling period is required, ideally 13-17C (55-63 F). ​It is best suited for cultivation in a large terrarium or a cool, humid conservatory in the UK. Fertilize extremely sparingly with a highly diluted, acidic feed. ​
 
Unique Features ​
 
Sphyrospermum dissimile is a rare find for the collector, especially appealing for those interested in montane Ericaceae. Its small, dark red, bell-shaped flowers are both beautiful and unusual, but its most distinct feature is the fruit: translucent white, spherical berries that appear like crystalline pearls against the dark foliage. Its ability to grow as an intricate, viney shrub makes it an excellent choice for cascading over driftwood or creating a dense ground cover layer in a cloud forest setup. ​
 
Specifications ​
Plant Size: Propagations from our stock plants and produced in the UK, plants in small pots and with multiple stems. About 15-25 cm tall and 15 cm wide.
Plant Family: Ericaceae ​
Plant Passport: A Sphyrospermum dissimile B 140084 C 13951 D GB