Medinilla cummingii

Family	Melastomataceae
Genus	Medinilla
Species	cummingii
Category	Tropicals

Medinilla cummingii shrub

Medinilla is a genus of about 150 species of flowering plants in the family Melastomataceae, native to tropical regions The genus was named after J. de Medinilla, governor of the Mariana Islands in 1820.

Members of the mostly-tropical Melastomataceae family, medinillas have a very different leaf, and a very different blossom. The flowers are very colorful and range from fuchsia to purple to blue to almost glass-like.  They have flowers bunches borne on long, pendulous stems, hence the common name chandelier plant/tree/shrub. The base of each cluster of flowers also has a large bract which covers the flowers like a lid. Many plants which live in rainforest surroundings have adapted ways of keeping their flowers dry.

The leaves have pronounced veins which run parallel to the midvein which may help channel off water. Medinilla magnifica is a large-growing species with very large leaves.

 Care:

Medinilla cummingii likes growing in a shining place. Place the vases in a pretty sunny place, although avoiding direct sunlight, which could damage the shrubbery.

The flower.

water the  Medinilla cummingii every 1-2 weeks with 2-3 glasses of water , which means when the soil has been dry for days; if the season should be very hot and arid we can intensify the quantity of irrigations, although must avoid leaving the substratum soaked with water. It is advisable to water the plants avoiding water in the saucer, because stagnant water often develops fungal diseases Fertilization is done by adding fertilizer to the irrigating water, every 15-20 days.

These plants need a soft, dissolved, not very drained soil with an acid PH. Every 2-3 years should remember to repot the plant in a slightly larger container.