Rose Grape Medinilla magnifica

Water

The Philippine Orchid is a tropical plant that needs consistent moisture but should not be allowed to sit in waterlogged soil. Water thoroughly when the top inch of the soil feels dry, which might be about once a week. However, do adjust the frequency to the plant's environment and the season; less water may be required during the cooler months. When watering, ensure you do so evenly, allowing water to reach all the roots and drain out fully. It is better to water this plant with a measured approach; for example, offer the plant around 16-32 ounces of water during each watering session and observe the plant's response, adjusting as needed.

Light

The Philippine Orchid thrives best in bright, indirect light. It should be placed in a spot where it can receive a few hours of gentle morning sun but is shielded from harsh afternoon rays. An east-facing window or a shaded south or west-facing window can offer ideal light conditions for this plant's growth and flowering.

Temperature

The Philippine Orchid prefers warm conditions and does not tolerate cold drafts or temperatures below 60°F. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 65°F and 80°F. Extreme temperatures above 85°F may stress the plant, so it’s best to avoid placing it near heat sources or in direct sunlight that can raise temperatures significantly.

Pruning

Prune the Philippine Orchid to remove dead or yellowing leaves and spent flower stalks to promote healthy growth and more abundant blooms. Pruning is best done after flowering, typically in the late winter or early spring. Cut just above a leaf node or the main stem to allow for new growth, and sanitize your tools to prevent the spread of disease.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The showy medinilla requires a well-draining, rich soil mix with high organic content. Ideally, combine orchid bark, peat moss, and perlite in equal parts to create an aerated and moisture-retentive medium. Maintain soil pH between 6.1 and 7.5 for optimal growth.

Repotting

Showy medinillas should typically be repotted every two to three years to prevent the roots from becoming pot-bound and to refresh the nutrient content of the soil. It's best to repot in spring before the onset of the growth season.

Humidity & Misting

Showy medinilla thrives in high humidity conditions, ideally between 50% and 80%. Maintaining adequate humidity is essential for the health of the plant, which can be achieved through regular misting or placing the pot on a humidity tray.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Keep in bright, indirect light and high humidity.

• Outdoor

  Partial shade, shelter from wind, high humidity.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of the Medinilla magnifica, also known as the Rose Grape, begins with germination where seeds develop in the appropriate humid and warm conditions often found in tropical climates. After germination, seedlings emerge, sporting the plant's characteristic broad, glossy leaves. The vegetative stage follows, where the plant experiences rapid growth and eventually reaches maturity, preparing for the flowering phase. During the flowering phase, Medinilla magnifica produces its distinctive pendulous clusters of pink flowers, which if pollinated, can develop into small non-edible berries, completing its reproductive cycle. As the plant ages, it enters a perennial phase where it can continue to grow and bloom annually. Over the years, with proper care, the Rose Grape may require pruning to maintain a healthy structure and encourage further flowering.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Summer

• The Philippine Orchid, Medinilla magnifica, is typically propagated by stem cuttings or seeds, yet the most popular method for home gardeners is stem cuttings due to its relative simplicity and effectiveness. To propagate by stem cuttings, the best time is usually spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. A healthy stem with several leaf nodes is chosen and cut just below a node, ideally the cutting should be about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often treated with a rooting hormone to encourage root development. This cutting is then inserted into a well-draining potting mix, making sure at least one node is buried beneath the soil surface where roots will form. The pot is kept in a warm, humid environment with indirect sunlight until roots have established, typically taking a few weeks. After successful rooting, the new Philippine Orchid plant can be treated as an adult specimen.