Medinilla magnifica, also known as lilac, treasure lotus, powdery acid pole foot, pearl treasure lotus and so on. It belongs to the Peony family, and is a small perennial evergreen shrub with a height of 1.5 to 2.5 meters. The stem has 4 edges or 4 wings. The single leaves are opposite, without petioles, the leaves are ovate to elliptic, entire, the leaves are about 30 cm long and 18 cm wide. The leaves are green and shiny, and the main veins have obvious ivory-white depressions. The bracts are pink, with a cluster of cherry-red flower spikes hanging between each two layers of bracts. The spikes or panicles are drooping, up to 45 cm long, and there are pink or pink-white involucral bracts outside the flowers. 2.5 cm. The fruit is spherical, pink, with persistent sepals at the top.
The natural flowering and fruiting period is from February to August, and the flowering period of a single plant can last from 3 to 5 months.
Plant Details:
| Category: | Flowering Houseplant |
| Available Colors: | Pink |
| Bloom Time: | Summer to autumn |
| Height Range: | 2-3' (0.6-0.9m) |
| Space Range: | 18-24" (46-61cm) |
| Lowest Temperature: | 50° to 80°F (10° to 27°C) |
| Plant Light: | Medium Light |
| Companion Plants: | Calathea, Brazilian Fireworks, Curcuma |
| USDA Zone: | 11-12 |
Uses
Excellent grown in containers indoors or outdoors during warm weather. Smaller plants look fantastic displayed on an individual plant stand where the heavy clusters of flowers can drape freely.
Planting Instructions:
The Medinilla seeds will first need to be removed from any remaining outer seed husk – soaking in water can help with this.
Next, need to select seed starting containers and growing mix. Since plants will do best in soil that is slightly acidic, avoid adding any lime. Fill the containers with the seed starting mix and water it well. Soil should not be soggy, however, it will be imperative to maintain adequate moisture while germinating Medinilla seeds.
Place the container in a warm location.
Check daily to ensure that the surface of the soil has not dried. Many growers may consider the use of a humidity dome to maintain better control over the seed starting tray.
Medinilla seed propagation will require patience, as it can take several weeks for germination to occur. The location of the tray should receive amply bright (indirect) sunlight. After about 12 weeks, most of the Medinilla seed should have germinated. Keep the seedlings well watered until several sets of true leaves have developed on the plants.
Once the seedlings have gained sufficient size, they can be transplanted into larger individual containers or pots.
