Medinilla magnifica: Queen of tropical deco plants

THE Medinilla magnifica also goes by a few other names: ‘Showy Medinilla’, the ‘Rose Grape’, or the ‘Queen of Philippines’.

Indeed, it is one of the most stunning tropical ornamental plants in the world.

I have just come across a few inside a store display in Kota Sentosa, near Kuching.

I once planted it for sale too at my nursery in Mile 7 (how Kota Sentosa was called long ago), but now, shophouses stand on the site where that nursery once was.

Native to the Philippines, the Medinilla is recognisable by its cascading clusters of flowers, usually in the shade of red.

The veined leaves are just as lush, with leathery texture and glossy dark green in colour.

Each leaf can grow up to 30cm in length.

The plant I saw in Kota Sentosa was not really tall – standing at only two feet (less than 1m) with several clusters of red blooms.

Still, it was very attractive even at a distance.

The Medinilla plant is an evergreen shrub that is epiphytic in nature – meaning it grows on another plant; it obtains moisture and nutrients from the air, rain, or debris, rather than from its host.

It can thrive in the shaded understory of the tropical rainforests, clinging to tree branches.

This characteristic is now being adopted in growing this plant in many parts of the world.

The Medinilla is a genus of about 369 species of flowering plants under the family Melastomataceae.

Its distinctive features are the flowers, which are large, pendulous clusters that can measure up to 50cm in length, covered with soft pink bracts that resemble grape bunches.

Tiny star-shaped flowers bloom with the bracts.

When in bloom, it is often mistaken for a cascading bouquet, especially when it is on a high spot – earning it the nickname ‘living chandelier’.

In terms of cultivation, it requires patience and a little extra care, ensuring that the environment, more or less, mimics that of a tropical rainforest.

It can attain a height of up to 2m, but is usually seen as a potted plant.

The following lists out conditions required in growing a healthy Medinilla plant:

• Light – it prefers bright indirect light, but not harsh direct sunlight that can scorch the leaves.
• Soil – grows really well in a well-draining orchid mix or peat-based medium enriched with perlite. Its epiphytic nature means that it dislikes heavy compacted soil used in growing other plants.
• Watering – it needs constant moisture, but waterlogging must be avoided. Allow top soil to dry slightly between watering periods. Misting, via usage of a humidifier, is very advisable.
• Fertiliser – use a balanced liquid type, applied once every two weeks.
• Pruning – remove spent flower stalks to encourage new growths. We can shape it by trimming some of the extensive leaves. It is good to choose a porous pot, such as the one for growing orchids, as the roots can attach themselves to the wall of the container. Carry out re-potting only when the plant is root-bound after two or three years.

The Medinilla is one of the most decorative house plants.

In the Philippines, it is considered a symbol of elegance and natural beauty, and is usually among the main features in many cultural exhibits.

The plant is known to improve indoor air quality.

We can grow it in a pot and place it indoors.

The Medinilla is truly a gem of the plant world.

With its spectacular cascading flowers, it demands admiration and respect.

Though slightly demanding to care for, the reward of its dramatic red blossoms makes it worth every effort.

For all who appreciate rare and elegant tropical plants, this is a perfect addition to your collection of nature’s living masterpieces.

Happy Gardening!