Spectacular Philippine Houseplant with Hanging Pink Flower Panicles

Medinilla magnifica is a spectacular houseplant from the Philippine islands of Luzon, Mindanao, Mindoro, Negros, and Panay. In its natural habitat, it grows as a shrub up to 2 meters tall, but indoors it remains significantly smaller or can be kept compact through pruning.

The leaves are dark green, oval, and grow up to 30 centimeters long and wide with contrasting light green veins. The plant also produces numerous protein bodies; in nature, these serve as food for defensive ants which, in exchange for the protein-rich sustenance, protect the plant.

The beautiful pink flowers are borne on hanging, likewise pink panicles that can reach up to 50 centimeters in length. Each panicle can bear up to 100 individual flowers that open sequentially. The plant blooms from spring into late autumn.

King Baudouin of Belgium was a great admirer of Medinilla and cultivated them in the royal conservatories. The plant was even depicted on the Belgian 10,000-franc banknote.

Please note: The flower stems and flowers are unfortunately fragile. We expect that most will break or need to be trimmed during transport. However, this is not a problem for the plant; Medinilla is very eager to bloom, and your plant will soon flower again!

Care

Thrives in bright, indirect light without direct sun. Keep the soil evenly moist during the growing season, but allow the surface to dry slightly between waterings. Requires high humidity to thrive; mist frequently or use a humidifier.

Use airy, well-draining soil. Ideal temperature 18-26 degrees Celsius. Avoid drafts and sudden temperature changes. Fertilize monthly during the growing season.

For more abundant flowering, the plant can be given a slightly cooler and drier period of approximately 2 months during winter. Buy Medinilla online!