Medinilla magnifica
 
common name: Medinyl, Pinkgrape 
Scientific name: Medinilla magnifica
Synonym:
Family: Melastomataceae
Gender: Medinilla
Plant Type:  Perennial
Origin: Philippines
 
Description: The medinilla is a bushy plant, with a semi-woody texture and ornamental flowering. The branches are quadrangular, winged, fragile, sparsely branched and erect. They grow slowly and can reach up to 2 meters in height. The leaves are cesel, opposite, large, dark green, waxy, shiny and with clear and well-marked veins.
Environment: Medinyl can be used alone or in groups. It is perfect for composing sets with other tropical plants, such as alpine, heliconias and gingers, forming smooth contrasts of textures and colors. Because it is a showy plant, but still rare and exotic, it causes an impact due to its beauty and has been used in contemporary and tropical gardens. As the growth is too slow, it needs little maintenance and pruning.
Flowering: The pendent inflorescences appear in spring and summer and are very durable. Long, they reach 30 cm in length, and have bracts and pink flowers arranged in bunches, as if they were grapes, from which the popular name of "grape-pink" derives.
Temperature: Normally hot indoor environment.
Light: They should be grown in semi-shade, in fertile, drainable soil, enriched with organic matter and kept moist. Does not tolerate intense cold or waterlogging. It needs at least 4 hours a day of indirect light in the morning or afternoon for it to flower satisfactorily.
Watering: A typically tropical plant, medinilla appreciates environmental humidity and can be planted on the coast, in humid greenhouses or indoors.
Fertilizing: Organic fertilizers monthly in spring and summer encourage vigorous foliage and intense flowering.
 
Advices: Spray the foliage regularly with lukewarm, non-calcareous water to prevent leaf spots. Carefully remove dead leaves.
The sheets must  be cleaned regularly from accumulated dust.