Medinilla

The genus Medinilla includes about 200 species of erect or drooping shrubs and shrubs-epiphytes (which grow on other plants, using them as a support). The plant owes its name to Jose de Medinilla y Pineda, who served as governor of the Mariana Islands in the 1920s. Medinilla magnifiosa is mainly grown, capable of growing up to 3 m in height and forming paniculate inflorescences of magnificent shape, colored in various shades of pink spectrum. Large opposite (opposing each other at the same level) leathery leaves, with a white central vein, from which the lateral ones diverge.

The genus Medinilla includes about 200 species of erect or drooping shrubs and shrubs-epiphytes (which grow on other plants, using them as a support). The plant owes its name to Jose de Medinilla y Pineda, who served as governor of the Mariana Islands in the 1920s.

Medinilla magnifiosa is mainly grown, capable of growing up to 3 m in height and forming paniculate inflorescences of magnificent shape, colored in various shades of pink spectrum. Large opposite (opposing each other at the same level) leathery leaves, with a white central vein, from which the lateral ones diverge.

Cultivation

It grows well in a greenhouse, but even at home, growing is not particularly difficult if you maintain high humidity during the hottest time of the year with frequent spraying. It can develop well for a long time, but flowering is rare due to the fact that the plant requires a lot of light and high humidity. In the spring and summer period, pruning is carried out, but only in order to give the plant a shape, and so that it does not grow randomly.

It grows well in a greenhouse, but even at home, growing is not particularly difficult if you maintain high humidity during the hottest time of the year with frequent spraying. It can develop well for a long time, but flowering is rare due to the fact that the plant requires a lot of light and high humidity.

In the spring and summer period, pruning is carried out, but only in order to give the plant a shape, and so that it does not grow randomly.

Location

Medinilla magnifica requires a lot of light, but not direct sun, which can cause burns on wide leaves. In addition, in the open sun, intense evaporation of moisture occurs, which does not contribute to the harmonious development of the plant.

Temperature

Like all tropical plants, it is particularly affected by the cold, and the temperature should never fall below 15 °C. Ideally, the temperature is 18-25 °C. However, even if the temperature is slightly higher, this will not create problems for the species, which in the conditions of natural flora grows in a hot and humid environment.

Watering

In the spring and summer period, Medinilla should be regularly and abundantly watered, and during active growth, once every 2 weeks, it should be fed with mineral liquid fertilizer. In winter, water is not enough to prevent the leaves from wilting. This approach encourages the formation of flowers. In the hottest season of the year, you should often spray the foliage with water.

Transplant

It is carried out in the spring-summer period, after flowering. Use a larger pot than the previous one. The soil should be light, rich in organic matter and - to improve drainage-coarse sand.

Reproduction

Propagate by seeds and semi-lignified cuttings in summer, when elevated temperatures favor rooting. It is cultivated in a soil composed of two parts of peat and one part of sand. Subsequently, the cuttings are placed in a mini-greenhouse in the shade in a very humid environment to create the closest possible conditions to the natural growth of the plant. Reproduction can also be carried out in layers. A small incision is made on the branch, which is wrapped in wet moss, and on top - a piece of transparent plastic film.

Diseases

The main enemies are worms that appear on the leaves, especially in extreme heat, when the air stagnates; this happens in winter in a dusty room, with the windows closed. Worms are eliminated by wiping the leaves with a cotton swab, dropping a few drops of alcohol or an appropriate drug on it. Excessive watering with poor drainage causes root rot.

Acquisition

It is best to buy Medinilla in the spring: at this time you can see the plants in all their glory and choose the best specimens-even before the usual flowering time. During the purchase, make sure that all the foliage is healthy, without spots and yellowing, the last symptoms may be due to insufficient lighting or worm infestation.