Medinilla magnifica, also known as “Rose Grape,” “Philippine Orchid,” “Pink Lantern Plant,” and “Chandelier Tree,” is a small evergreen shrub that grows on trees in tropical forests in the Philippines. Despite its natural habitat, Medinilla has been sought after as an indoor plant for centuries, especially by the wealthy in Belgium. If you’re interested in growing this unique species yourself, here are some tips to help you out.
Medinilla is a tropical shrub that can reach up to one meter tall. It spreads through tree holes and forks like epiphytic orchids; however, it doesn’t use velamen to absorb moisture and nutrients. Instead, it has broad, succulent green leaves that store water like other succulents.
To cultivate Medinilla successfully, you need to provide warm and humid conditions. It cannot survive below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius), and it thrives best in temperatures ranging from 63 to 77 degrees F (17 to 25 C). It prefers warm days with filtered light and cool evenings in the 60s (16 to 21 C) to produce more blossoms. Therefore, before purchasing the plant, make sure you can provide it with year-round warm and humid conditions. As a succulent, it only needs thorough watering once a week on average, but it appreciates being frequently misted with water, especially during dry winter months. If you plan to keep it indoors throughout winter, consider running a humidifier. Also, keep it away from drafty windows and air ducts.
Once you know what Medinilla plants require, taking care of them is not difficult. They prefer to avoid intense afternoon light but can be grown in filtered shade to full sun. Deadheading spent buds promotes new growth and maintains the plant’s appearance during the blooming phase.
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