Medillina magnifica is a tropical plant native to the Philippine Islands that grows as an epiphyte (on trees) in its natural environment. It is an upright growing perennial shrub that can exceed, under optimal conditions, a meter and a half in height. In our homes we must cultivate it as a houseplant and it will not grow so much. But if we take care of it properly, we will make it bloom and give us its spectacular hanging flowers, pink or purple.
Medillina has large, deep green leaves , arranged in such a way that they look like small umbrellas extended to protect the inflorescences. The flowers are small but are grouped in large hanging pink panicles . The whole, when the plant blooms, is really amazing.
Growing Medillina magnifica can be challenging as it is not exactly a simple plant. But knowing its needs well, it will be much easier to take care of it properly and get its beautiful flowers to adorn our home. Keep reading that we detail everything that magnificent Medillina requires to develop.
MEDILLINA MAGNIFICA CARE
LIGHT
Medellina needs a lot of light but always filtered , since the direct sun can harm it. We must place the plant in a place in the house where it receives bright light, as close as possible to a window, and with the curtain drawn if necessary to protect it from the sun.
It is advisable to maintain some humidity in the environment around it, for which it can serve to install a humidifier or place the pot on a gravel plate with water. I recommend you read ” how to maintain the correct humidity for indoor plants “.
IRRIGATION
During the growing season, the magnificent Medillina must be watered abundantly , until the substrate is completely moistened. Water again when the soil dries to a depth of about 2 cm. During the rest period, watering is reduced, trying to prevent the substrate from drying out completely. Watering will resume moderately in early to mid spring when flower stalks begin to show.
If you remember, when we explained the watering of succulents we described it in the same way that this plant is watered. And it is that the large green leaves of the medillina have the ability to retain a certain amount of water, just like the succulent plants .
TEMPERATUTA
The ideal temperature for the proper development of Medillina magnifica is in the range of 18 to 25ºC (64-77ºF) throughout the year. In winter, with the plant at rest, it can descend a little more. But never below 15ºC (59ºF). It is a tropical plant that grows in its natural environment with warm temperatures and high humidity .
MEDILLINA MAGNIFICA SUBSCRIBER
Fertilize the plant with a liquid fertilizer every two weeks applied with the irrigation water. Begin the applications of fertilizer when the flower buds appear and suspend them in autumn, once the flowering period has passed. Experts recommend using orchid compost .
TRANSPLANT
The plant can be transplanted in spring , being very careful not to damage the roots. When we get to a very large pot and it is no longer practical to transplant it to a larger one, we can replace the top layer of substrate with new compost .
REPRODUCTION OF MEDILLINA MAGNIFICA
Propagation at home is not easy. If you want to try making cuttings, point cuttings are the most suitable method. But if there is a convenient way to propagate medillin, it is by division of the bush , when the plant is large enough to do so.
PRUNING OF MEDILLINA MAGNIFICA
You can cut the branches after flowering to give the plant the shape you want, control it and achieve a more compact growth.
DISEASES AND PESTS
The plant is susceptible to the attack of red mites . To prevent this, it is convenient to spray with water to maintain humidity. It is also a good idea to keep your Medillina magnifica specimen away from air conditioners and drafts .
MAGNIFICENT MEDILLINA FLOWERS
The beautiful flowers of this plant appear in spring and the flowering is perpetuated during the summer if it is given the necessary care. The flowers are small and grow together to form a beautiful inflorescence that falls like a waterfall and reminds of wisteria flowers or bunches of grapes.
It is advisable to gradually eliminate the clusters of flowers when they wither, in this way the plant will appear cleaner and more beautiful, while promoting the formation of new flowers .