Medinilla magnifica
Medinilla magnifica - leaves and flowers
Medinilla magnifica is a tropical plant of the genus Medinillen in the family of Black Mouth family ( Melastomataceae ). It is one of the finest in the previously discovered 521 Medinilla species and can be cultivated as one of the few species as a houseplant. It was named after the Spaniard Josè de Medinilla y Pineda, who was governor at the Pacific archipelago of the Mariana Islands in the 19th century. " Magnifica " is Latin for " gorgeous ".
Alternative names
- In the Philippines: Kapa - kapa
- In English-speaking area: chandelier tree, showy melastome, showy medinilla, Malaysian orchid, orchid Malaysian medinilla
Features
Medinilla magnifica is the only Medinille with sumptuous pink inflorescences and has up to hundreds of individual flowers. Under good conditions, this shrub grows up to two meters and then take up much space. Its branches are square and borkig, divided by nodes. On thick four -leaf branches hang up to 30 inches long that look leathery and have a white midrib dreirippige leaves down. From the main leaf vein going from low-lying secondary veins that extend in a curve to the blade tip. Two alternate leaves cover a Rispenblütenstand hanging directed up to 30 inches from the leaf axils to the ground. The attractive coral to pink flower spikes over last up to ten weeks.
Dissemination
Its natural habitat extends over the Philippine islands of Luzon, Mindanao, Mindoro, Negros and Panay.
In its original form it is one of the greatest flowering epiphytes and is called in the local language Kapa - kapa. It grows on the branches of trees in the forests of wing fruit plants between 300 and 500 meters, in the forests of the foothills at 400 to 1,000 meters or in the mossy forests of the cloud belt up to an altitude of 1,400 meters. It grows in bright places, which are not exposed to the direct sunlight, and where the humidity is never lower than 50 percent.
S. L. Welsh reported in 1998 that Medinilla magnifica occurs both as a shrub or as an epiphyte.
In the assessment of Filipino scientists, it is one now an endangered species because of deforestation, which tears open the canopy. The deforestation by the local population, they robbed the optimal environmental conditions. There are in all likelihood more individuals of the species that grow in horticulture, as in the wild.
However, it does not yet appear on the Red List of endangered species by the World Conservation Union (April 2007).
Use
Medinilla magnifica was introduced some years ago in 1850 by the major nurserymen Veitch and Son from Manila and cultivated in greenhouses in Exeter. It was exhibited at the exhibition of the London Horticultural Society in the spring of 1850 and was awarded the Grand Silver Medal awarded. Then as now, it was considered one of the greatest and most remarkable plants in cultivation, her growing fame encouraged garden enthusiasts seek more plants in the wild and collect. Veitch sought to thwart their efforts and to keep his secret, by reporting that he had found the plant on the island of Java in Indonesia. We know now that his report was wrong; the Kapa - kapa is endemic to the Philippines.
Medinilla magnifica wins as an ornamental plant becoming increasingly popular.
It is not edible.
Importance in Belgium
Former Belgian King Baudouin I, a great admirer of beautiful plants, let the Medinilla in the royal greenhouses breed.
The Medinilla also graced the back of the Belgian franc banknotes 10,000.
Medinilla magnifica as a houseplant
Location
The Medinilla prefers a bright location. From November to the beginning of spring she endures even in direct sunlight, as well as morning and evening. In the other seasons it must be protected from direct sunlight.
Temperature
For this plant a temperature 16-25 ° C is ideal. Especially in the root zone, the temperature must not be exceeded, otherwise - especially in combination with a lack of light and moist soil - leaf loss and pest infestation ( Shield and mealybugs ) threaten. After the flowering phase and the complete formation of new leaves, the plant must be placed in a cooler place ( 16 to 18 ° C ) so that the growth of new buds at the leaf axils. Once this point, it can be returned to the warmer space, in order to favor the formation of flowers. After that, the plant should be no longer rotated or moved.
Water
The Medinilla to be moderate, cast as far as possible with softened water at room temperature. It thrives in rather too dry than too wet soil. In the summer they need more watering in hot weather ( can possibly make and drain an immersion bath ). Excess water in the sentence must not be allowed to stand. When planters waterlogging can be controlled heavier. The Medinilla loves it, however, to be more frequently wetted with a spray bottle, as it simulates the humidity in the jungle. During the two - to three -month rest period in winter should be watered sparingly.
Fertilize
Normally, it is sufficient to mix the water once per month plant fertilizers. After flowering, also every two weeks can be fertilized, as the plant develops new shoots at this stage. The soil should be loose, rich in humus ( pH 5.5 ) and coarse particles, such as peat moss enriched.
Pruning and repotting
After the flowering stage, it is recommended that the spent flowers to cut down on the approach to spur the plant to continue growing. Where previously sat blossoms, new leaves are formed now.
They can always repot throughout the year. It is usually sufficient to do this about every two years. During the flowering stage, however, the fragile flowers may be damaged. When repotting in spring single verkahlte shoots up to the first leaf node grows too large, older plants can be pruned into the wood. In the latter case, the root ball can thereby be reduced.
Vegetative propagation
Can multiply vegetatively A Medinille done in the following way:
- The first possibility is the harvesting of head cuttings, which are cut in January or February. The cuttings only in Vermehrungsbeet, with additional administration of Bewurzelungspräparaten ( Bewurzelungshormonen ), with a lot of heat (30-35 ° C) and high humidity have a chance to form roots.
- The second possibility is the method of Abmoosens from March to April.