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Medinilla Information & tips - Plant Guide

Medinilla Information & tips - Plant Guide

The Medinilla is a remarkable houseplant that originates from Southeast Asia and the tropical part of Africa. The Medinilla belongs to the family Malastomataceae.
Medinilla Information & tips - Plant Guide
  • Water regularly
  • Semi-shade, no direct sunlight
  • Not air-purifying
  • Nutrition every month (summer)
  • Not toxic for animals
  • Repot every other year

Intro

The Medinilla is a remarkable houseplant that originates from Southeast Asia and the tropical part of Africa. The Medinilla belongs to the family Malastomataceae. The Medinilla grows wild on branches of trees and belongs to the epiphytes.

Location

The Medinilla loves enough sunlight, but no direct sunlight. An ideal place is therefore a place for a window on the west or east, or a place on the south. For a south-facing spot, take a few metres away from the window so that the plant does not get direct sunlight. In winter, the Medinilla can tolerate direct sunlight.

Temperature

The ideal temperature for the Medinilla is between 17 and 25 degrees Celsius.

Watering

The Medinilla automatically indicates when the plant needs water again. The flowers will become limp if there is too little water. After water is given, the flowers will look beautiful again. Prevent a layer of water from standing underneath the pot. This can cause root rot.

Pruning

If you find the Medinilla to large, you can choose to cut the stem from the bottom. Do this carefully to keep the wound as small as possible.

Spraying

You can choose to spray occasionally. This will never harm the plant and ensures that the ornamental value is maintained and keeps pests away.

Nutrition

Extra nutrition is not necessary for the Medinilla. If you still want to give extra nutrition, give Orchid nutrition and keep to the dosage. It is better to do less than more. Do not give extra food in the winter. This is superfluous as the plant will be in the resting position and therefore consumes little energy.

Repotting

It is only necessary to repot when there is no other option and the roots almost grow out of the pot. Always repot in the spring, so that the plant still has enough time to recover from any damage. It is preferable to use Medinilla Anthurium soil. This is the ideal soil for the Medinilla.

Re-flowering

Carefully break out the buttons. Leave the plant in the same place until new shoots are formed. Then place the plant in a light and cool place (16-18 degrees) for a few months. Water moderately and start with additional fertilization (once a month). As soon as the plant shows new flower buds again, a room temperature of 17-23 degrees is optimal again.

Origin

In the mountainous regions of the Philippines, the Medinilla finds its origin in more than 200 different species. The Medinilla is called Kapa-kapa here. Worldwide there are even more than 400 species! The Magnifica is the best known species as an indoor plant. Through years of breeding, there are now several varieties on the market.

Diseases

It is possible that the Medinilla will suffer from mealybug or scale bug. If this occurs, you can first try to spray it off with a hard jet of water. If this does not work, it is recommended to use a pesticide.

Nice to know

The flower is the most striking characteristic of Medinilla Magnifica. Officially, however, you may not call it a flower. They are pink 'bracts' in which the real flowers are hidden. Because it is actually a kind of coloured leaf, the Medinilla flowers for an extra long time. When the flower has finished flowering, the pink bracts remain in place for a long time.

King Boudwijn of Belgium

The late King Baudouin of Belgium was a great lover of the Medinilla. He grew them in the Royal Greenhouses. Before the arrival of the Euro, the plant showed off on the 10,000 Belgian francs banknote.