Aka the Malaysian Orchid or the Pink Lantern

[villarlentino]

Aka the Malaysian Orchid or the Pink Lantern

Medinilla Magnifica's Natural HabitatThis luscious beauty grows naturally in the humid mountains of the Philippines. It can usually be found growing upright in small clearings among trees. It is an epiphyte, which means can also grows nestled in small dirt pockets in the crooks of trees.

The medinilla magnifica is an evergreen shrub that grows up to eight feet tall in its native environment. The thick leathery 10 inch leaves are attractive by themselves, but once this plant blooms it is dropdead gorgeous. The enormous deeppink flowers droop off long stems which can grow up to a foot long.

Outdoor Care of the Medinilla MagnificaMedinilla Magnifica does well as an outdoor container plant, but take care to not keep the roots too wet as that invites root rot.

The magnifica plant prefers early morning and late afternoon sun during the summer. The large, leathery leaves are susceptible to sunburn if exposed to the blistering summer sun.

It is a spring/summer bloomer when planted outdoors, although some people have reported blooms well into the fall. The blooms will attract bees and butterflies. Deadheading the old blossoms will encourage more blooms.

Prune the medinilla back by half after blooming to keep it compact. But be careful with your pruning shears a branch pruned too hard will die unless at least two leaves are left growing.

Fertilize monthly during growing season with a highphosphorous fertilizer. It prefers a rich, welldrained, slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.1 to 6.5.

Medinilla Magnifia as a HouseplantPlace the potted magnifica plant in a sunny room with plenty of direct sunlight. A sunroom would be a perfect place for your tropical beauty if the humidity is high enough.

Keep the plant away from cool drafts from doors or windows. Drafts will increase water loss and may contribute to leaf drop.

Let the soil dry out well between waterings to avoid root diseases. The plant should be watered less often in the winter when the plant's growth slows. Remember, this plant is an epiphyte and is not used to having constantly wet roots.

The indoor medinilla loves and thrives in valentino shoes sale a humid environment. It will need to be misted frequently or grown in a room with plenty of humidity. You can also set the pot and base on a tray of pebbles which are immersed in water.

Where to Get the Medinilla MagnificaIf your local nursery does not carry this tropical valentino shoes sale pink beauty, you can order it online through national stores such as eBay.