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Sometimes called ‘Rose Grape’, ‘Philipinne Orchid’, ‘Pink Lantern plant’ or ‘Chandelier Tree’, Medinilla magnifica is a small evergreen shrub native to the Philippines, where it typically grows on trees in tropical forests. However, Medinilla has been cultivated for hundreds of years as an exotic houseplant, once prized by the wealthy and noble in Belgium. Learn how you too can grow this exotic species. About Medinilla Medinilla is a tropical shrub that can grow up to 1m tall. It grows like epiphytic orchids in the holes and forks of trees. However, unlike orchids, Medinilla does not absorb humidity and nutrients via velamen (the corky epidermis of aerial roots). Instead, the plant has large succulent green leaves that hold or store moisture much like other succulents.
How to Grow Medinilla Plants Medinilla needs a warm and humid environment to survive. It does not tolerate temperatures below 50 degrees F. (10 C.). In fact, 63-77 degrees F (17-25 C) is ideal for proper care of Medinilla plants. It prefers warm days in high but filtered light and cooler nights in the 60s (16 to 21 C.). Cooler nights help the plant send out more flowers. Before purchasing Medinilla, make sure you can provide it with the warm, humid conditions it needs year-round. As a succulent,
Medinilla does not need to be watered often, usually only thoroughly once a week. It enjoys being misted by water often, especially during the dry winter months. If you have Medinilla as a houseplant, you may need to run a humidifier indoors during the winter. Also, be sure to keep Medinilla plants away from air ducts and drafty windows. Medinilla Plant Care Guide Caring for Medinilla plants is not difficult once you know what they need. Grow the plant in filtered shade to full sun, although it prefers to avoid direct afternoon sun. During the flowering period, Deadhead spent buds to encourage new buds and keep the plant looking healthy.
