Medinilla magnifica

Common Names

Rose Grape, Pink Lantern Plant, Philippine Orchid, Showy Medinilla, Chandelier Tree

Summary

The showy medinilla is a tropical epiphytic shrub native to the Philippines and other tropical Asian regions, typically growing on trees in its natural habitat. It features pendulous inflorescences up to about 50 cm long with pink bracts and small flowers, paired with large glossy leaves with prominent venation; indoor specimens commonly reach about 1–1.2 m tall, while in the wild it can grow up to around 3 m.

Cultivation favors warm, humid conditions with bright indirect light and protection from direct sun. Temperatures generally range from 18–27°C, with cooler periods around 15–18°C for rest; humidity should be high (about 60–70%), and soil well-draining and slightly acidic, kept evenly moist but not soggy. Water when the top 2 cm dry and reduce watering in cooler months. Fertilize every two weeks during growth, repot every 2–3 years, and prune after flowering. Propagation is by cuttings or seeds, and outdoor growth is possible in USDA zones 10–11; common pests include spider mites and mealybugs.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

3-4 feet

Spread

1-4 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 10-11

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial sun to partial shade, with indirect or filtered light and avoidance of direct sun.

Soil Type

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter.

Soil Drainage

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.5).

Soil pH

5.5-6.5 (slightly acidic)

Bloom Color

Pink

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Dark green on the upper surface, paler green on the underside.

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Slow-growing, growth slows during fall and winter, reaches full height in 8–10 years

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer – growing season; Fall and Winter – dormant.

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Air layering, Division