Medinilla magnifica ‘Candy’ – Rose Grape

The Rose Grape really is as magnificent as its Latin name would have you believe. The huge, bright green leaves of this cultivar part to send out large, soft pink flowers tinted with green which hang down like lanterns - and ours are just starting to open! Find a spot with bright but indirect light, away from a radiator or anything that might dry it out, and it will thank you with its gorgeous foliage and bright, eyecatching blooms. The shape of the plant makes it well-suited to a hanging pot or tall shelf, and each large blooming stem opens to reveal a whole host of small pink buds which open into pretty pink flowers. This plant can be a challenge, but they seem to like the conditions in the shop, so we'd recommend high humidity and bright but indirect light.

Scientific Name
Medinilla magnifica ‘Candy’ (Medinilla's magnificent plant, cultivar: lambada)

Synonyms: Dactyliota bracteata, Medinilla bracteata, Medinilla superba

While it a few different names have been used for specimens of this plant, it has been consistently known as M. magnifica since 1850.

Common Name
Rose Grape, Javanese Rhododendron, Love Plant, Magnifica Medinilla, Showy Medinilla, Pink Lantern Plant, Philippine Orchid, Chandelier Tree, Malaysian Orchid

Origin
This species has a limited native range, originating from rainforest on the island of Luzon, in the Philippines.

Light
Bright, indirect light is ideal for this plant. A splash of morning or evening sun can be beneficial, especially in autumn and winter, but any more than an hour and it is likely to get sunburnt.

Water
Allow the top third of the soil to dry out between waters; water less in autumn and winter.

Humidity
This plant likes average to high humidity; it will benefit from the introduction of a pebble tray. Misting can damage the flowers, but you can hose down the leaves to clean them. If its new leaves start to brown and curl, this is a sign that it's too dry. Avoid draughts or radiators which will dry it out too quickly.

Soil
Use a well-draining but moisture retentive soil. A mix with added coir and bark, such as one designed for Monsteras or Philodendrons, would be ideal. Repot every two to three years in spring as the plant grows.

Food
Feed once a fortnight in the growing season, reduce to once a month in autumn and winter. Feed when watering so the fertiliser doesn't burn the roots. Feeding will help your plant to produce and sustain its flowers!

Temperature
Ideal temperature is 16-30°C; make sure it does not get colder than 14°C in winter.

Pet-safe
Yes, but too much nibbling won't be good for pets, small humans or the plant!

Sprouts Top Tips
If your flowers are dying off very quickly, the plant is probably not in a humid enough spot. Introducing a pebble tray is the easiest way to keep the plant happy, as misting can damage the flowers. If you notice the leaves are turning yellow quickly, or lower leaves are being lost quickly, the most likely cause is over-watering - remember, if it's in a shady spot, the soil will take longer to dry out!
If you're having trouble re-flowering, it may be worth using a tomato feed or one high in potassium, which is the perfect nutrients for flowers.