Why will I love it?
This spectacular flowering plant (Medinilla magnifica) was discovered adorning trees in the humid mountains of the Philippines. Its oversized, heavily veined dark green leaves are dramatic in their own right, but it’s the blooms that steal the show. In late spring to early summer, the plant is covered in drooping clusters of exotic, pale pink flowers, each head so large it creates an explosion of colour.
Light or shade?
Appreciates bright indirect sunlight; avoid direct bright light, as this will burn to the leaves.
Where should I put it?
Its perfect home is a warm, moist bathroom, basking in filtered light.
How do I keep it alive?
Ensure this plant never endures temperatures below 15C. Frequent misting or a naturally humid space will keep it content. Alternatively, place its pot on a tray of wet pebbles, offering it a microcosm of its native environment. Water this beauty little and often, ensuring the compost remains moist. But be sure to avoid overwatering, as excessively wet roots can lead to rot. Strike a balance for a healthy, thriving plant.
Did you know …
The rose grape’s name, Medinilla magnifica, is steeped in history, a reference to José de Medinilla y Pineda, the 19th-century governor of the Mariana Islands, where the first plant in this genus was discovered. The “magnifica” bit, derived from Latin, captures the essence of this stunning plant. Its other names include “Philippine orchid”, “pink lantern plant”, and “chandelier tree”.
