Melastomataceae
Medinilla magnifica
Turn any bright corner into a boutique-style tropical display with Medinilla magnifica. Its elegant, pendant pink bracts and bold glossy leaves deliver instant luxury—perfect for receptions, living rooms, and unforgettable gifts. With bright filtered light, an airy mix, and consistent care, this collector favorite rewards you with weeks of show-stopping blooms.
1. Basic Identification
Plant Science Name: Medinilla magnifica
Plant Varient: Standard
Plant Color: Multicolor
Plant Country: —
SKU: PLT-0294
Arabic Name: صبار كاكتوس
Stems:
Family: Melastomataceae
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Order: Myrtales
Family: Melastomataceae
Genus: Medinilla
Species: M. magnifica
3. Origin & Distribution
Native to the montane rainforests of Luzon, Philippines, at elevations of 300–700 m. Widely cultivated as an ornamental in tropical and subtropical regions, and grown indoors worldwide.
4. Visual Characteristics
Evergreen perennial with arching, woody stems and opposite, elliptic to ovate glossy green leaves up to 30 cm long. Inflorescences are pendulous panicles of showy rose-pink bracts up to 45 cm long, each subtending clusters of small violet–pink flowers. Blooms last several weeks.
5. Size & Dimensions
Height: 60–120 cm (2–4 ft) in container cultivation
Spread: 60–100 cm (2–3 ft)
Leaf length: 20–30 cm (8–12 in)
Flower panicles: up to 45 cm (18 in) long
6. Light Requirements
Bright, indirect light; morning or late afternoon sun filtered through a sheer curtain. Avoid direct midday sun which can scorch foliage. Ideal light level: 1,000–2,000 foot-candles.
7. Watering Needs
Maintain evenly moist soil without waterlogging. Water thoroughly when the top 2–3 cm of soil begins to dry. Reduce slightly in cooler months but do not allow soil to dry out completely. Empty saucer after drainage.
8. Soil & Potting
Use a well-draining, aerated mix (e.g., equal parts peat moss, perlite, orchid bark, and compost). pH slightly acidic to neutral (5.5–6.5). Ensure pots have adequate drainage holes. Repot every 2–3 years in spring.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Optimal temperature 18–25 °C (65–77 °F); minimum 15 °C (59 °F). Requires high humidity (60–80%). Improve humidity with pebble trays, frequent misting, or a humidifier. Avoid cold drafts.
10. Fertilization
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20) at half strength every 2 weeks during active growth (spring–summer). Reduce feeding to once a month in fall. Discontinue feeding in winter if growth slows.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Moderate care. Needs consistent moisture, high humidity, and bright indirect light. Prune spent inflorescences and trim leggy stems after flowering to maintain shape and encourage branching.
12. Growth & Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe stem cuttings (10–15 cm) with 2–3 nodes. Insert in a moist perlite/peat mix, cover to maintain humidity (e.g., under plastic), and keep at 21–24 °C (70–75 °F). Roots form in 4–6 weeks. Seed propagation is possible but rare and slow.
13. Common Problems
Bud drop from low humidity, sudden temperature changes, or inadequate light. Yellowing leaves from overwatering or poor drainage. Pests include mealybugs, aphids, scale, and spider mites. Root rot if kept waterlogged.
14. Benefits & Uses
Highly ornamental specimen plant prized for its dramatic, long-lasting bracts and flowers. Used as an indoor focal point, event decoration, and luxurious gift. Can contribute to indoor air purification.
15. Toxicity & Safety
Not widely reported as toxic to humans; may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Keep out of reach of children and pets to prevent chewing.
Medinilla magnifica
Turn any bright corner into a boutique-style tropical display with Medinilla magnifica. Its elegant, pendant pink bracts and bold glossy leaves deliver instant luxury—perfect for receptions, living rooms, and unforgettable gifts. With bright filtered light, an airy mix, and consistent care, this collector favorite rewards you with weeks of show-stopping blooms.
1. Basic Identification
Plant Science Name: Medinilla magnifica
Plant Varient: Standard
Plant Color: Multicolor
Plant Country: —
SKU: PLT-0294
Arabic Name: صبار كاكتوس
Stems:
Family: Melastomataceae
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Order: Myrtales
Family: Melastomataceae
Genus: Medinilla
Species: M. magnifica
3. Origin & Distribution
Native to the montane rainforests of Luzon, Philippines, at elevations of 300–700 m. Widely cultivated as an ornamental in tropical and subtropical regions, and grown indoors worldwide.
4. Visual Characteristics
Evergreen perennial with arching, woody stems and opposite, elliptic to ovate glossy green leaves up to 30 cm long. Inflorescences are pendulous panicles of showy rose-pink bracts up to 45 cm long, each subtending clusters of small violet–pink flowers. Blooms last several weeks.
5. Size & Dimensions
Height: 60–120 cm (2–4 ft) in container cultivation
Spread: 60–100 cm (2–3 ft)
Leaf length: 20–30 cm (8–12 in)
Flower panicles: up to 45 cm (18 in) long
6. Light Requirements
Bright, indirect light; morning or late afternoon sun filtered through a sheer curtain. Avoid direct midday sun which can scorch foliage. Ideal light level: 1,000–2,000 foot-candles.
7. Watering Needs
Maintain evenly moist soil without waterlogging. Water thoroughly when the top 2–3 cm of soil begins to dry. Reduce slightly in cooler months but do not allow soil to dry out completely. Empty saucer after drainage.
8. Soil & Potting
Use a well-draining, aerated mix (e.g., equal parts peat moss, perlite, orchid bark, and compost). pH slightly acidic to neutral (5.5–6.5). Ensure pots have adequate drainage holes. Repot every 2–3 years in spring.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Optimal temperature 18–25 °C (65–77 °F); minimum 15 °C (59 °F). Requires high humidity (60–80%). Improve humidity with pebble trays, frequent misting, or a humidifier. Avoid cold drafts.
10. Fertilization
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20) at half strength every 2 weeks during active growth (spring–summer). Reduce feeding to once a month in fall. Discontinue feeding in winter if growth slows.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Moderate care. Needs consistent moisture, high humidity, and bright indirect light. Prune spent inflorescences and trim leggy stems after flowering to maintain shape and encourage branching.
12. Growth & Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe stem cuttings (10–15 cm) with 2–3 nodes. Insert in a moist perlite/peat mix, cover to maintain humidity (e.g., under plastic), and keep at 21–24 °C (70–75 °F). Roots form in 4–6 weeks. Seed propagation is possible but rare and slow.
13. Common Problems
Bud drop from low humidity, sudden temperature changes, or inadequate light. Yellowing leaves from overwatering or poor drainage. Pests include mealybugs, aphids, scale, and spider mites. Root rot if kept waterlogged.
14. Benefits & Uses
Highly ornamental specimen plant prized for its dramatic, long-lasting bracts and flowers. Used as an indoor focal point, event decoration, and luxurious gift. Can contribute to indoor air purification.
15. Toxicity & Safety
Not widely reported as toxic to humans; may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Keep out of reach of children and pets to prevent chewing.