Medinilla magnifica – Flowering plants

Medinilla magnifica (Showy medinilla) is an evergreen shrub that grows up to 3 m tall, with opposite, firm, dark green glossy, leathery leaves, which grow to 20 – 30 cm long in an ovate shape with a short point. The stems are succulent and four angled. The weight of its heavy inflorescence makes it seem hanging. The blossoms grow in panicles up to 50 cm long, with Ovid pink bracts. The individual blooms are up to 25 mm in size and are pink, red or violet. The fruits are violet, fleshy berries, about 1 cm wide. Medinilla magnifica is extremely ideal perfect for a hanging basket.

Scientific Name: Medinilla magnifica
Common Names: Showy medinilla, Rose Grape, Magnifica Medinilla, Philippine orchid, Kapa-kapa, Javanese Rhododendron, and Love Plant.

Scientific classification:

Family: Melastomataceae
Genus: Medinilla
Species: M. magnifica

How to grow and maintain Medinilla magnifica (Showy Medinilla):

Light:
It thrives best in bright, indirect sunlight but should be shaded from the hottest sun.

Soil:
It grows well in rich, moist but well-drained, peat moss-based mix, such as African violet potting mix.

Water:
Water regularly during the growing season spring through fall, always Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy and water very sparingly during winter. Allow the top inch of soil should be dry out between each watering.

Temperature:
It thrives best warm 70°F/21°C and slightly cooler in winter 60°F/16°C. It does not tolerate temperatures below 15°C/59°F

Humidity:
It requires high humidity levels. Mist the foliage frequently and put the plant on a tray of wet pebbles. If the relative humidity drops below 60%, use a room humidifier.

Fertilizer:
Fertilize every two weeks spring through fall with a high-phosphorous fertilizer such as 10-20-10 diluted by half.

Repotting:
Re-pot in spring into one size larger container taking care not to damage plant roots. The largest pot size that is practical is likely to be 10 inches, therefore top dress in spring with fresh compost. Use Orchid compost.

Pruning:
Prune plants after flowering have finished, cutting back unwanted branches almost to base level and shorting by half all along branches, regardless of whether they have flowered or not.

Propagation:
It can be easily propagated by seed, softwood cuttings in spring or semi-ripe cuttings in summer.

Pests and Diseases:
It has no serious pest or disease problems. Sometimes susceptible to red spider mite, mealy bug, and root rot if kept too moist and cool.