How to propagate the Medinilla magnifica? Detailed explanation of cutting and sowing methods

The Medinilla magnifica has a rather unusual appearance, so it is loved by many flower enthusiasts. Artificial propagation of the Medinilla magnifica can use two methods, cuttings and sowing, and for beginner flower enthusiasts, cutting propagation of the Medinilla magnifica is relatively simple, and the survival rate is also relatively high.

Medinilla magnifica

Medinilla magnifica cuttings:

1. Branch selection: the most ideal branch for the Medinilla magnifica is a semi-lignified branch with 2-3 leaves at the tip of a growing branch.

2. Cutting season: generally spring and summer from April to August, and autumn from September to November are both acceptable, but according to the experience of flower enthusiasts, the survival rate in spring and summer is higher than in autumn.

3. Cutting substrate: a mixed substrate can be used, or pure sand; based on the experience of flower enthusiasts, the survival rate with a mixed substrate is higher. Mixed substrate ratio (peat : perlite : vermiculite = 4:1:1 or 3:1:1 or 2:1:1)

After cuttings of the Medinilla magnifica are taken, press the soil firm; after cutting, cover with a layer of shade net, and maintain humidity and temperature (22°C-28°C). Generally, roots can form in about 20-40 days, and they can be potted up in about 60 days.

Medinilla magnifica sowing:

Medinilla magnifica seeds can be sown as soon as they are collected, but because mature seeds are not easy to obtain, the propagation of the Medinilla magnifica mainly relies on cutting propagation.

Introduction to the cutting propagation and cultivation management of the Medinilla magnifica

Medinilla magnifica

The Medinilla magnifica is also called pearl Medinilla, Medinilla, etc. It is native to tropical forest regions. Its flower growth and appearance are similar to those of the fuchsia, because their flowers all hang from the stems, which is very distinctive. It is widely cultivated and propagated all over the country. Below, let us get familiar with the cutting propagation and cultivation management of the Medinilla magnifica.

I. Growth habits of the Medinilla magnifica

It prefers a high-temperature, humid, and semi-shaded environment, is not cold-tolerant, and avoids exposure to scorching sun. It requires fertile, loose leaf mold or peat soil, and the winter temperature should not be lower than 16°C. The planting medium needs to be a mixed medium mainly composed of coarse peat. The pH value must be controlled between 3.5 and 4. The daytime temperature should be maintained at 21°C, and at night at 19°C, and the humidity should always be kept at around 80%. The plant's growth cycle starts from flowering and continues until the end of autumn. In spring the plant needs more nitrogen (N), and in summer more potassium (K), with fertilizer added once a week. During the growing season, the ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be balanced. If the irrigation water is taken from rivers or lakes with a relatively high EC value, a water quality test should be done before use to analyze the water composition.

II. Propagation of the Medinilla magnifica by cuttings

1. Cutting season

Generally, spring and summer from April to August, and autumn from September to November are both acceptable, but according to the experience of flower enthusiasts, the survival rate in spring and summer is higher than in autumn.

2. Softwood cuttings

From late spring to early autumn, when the plant is growing vigorously, select robust current-year branches as cuttings. After the branches are cut off, select the sturdy parts and cut them into sections 5 cm to 15 cm long, each section carrying more than 2-3 leaf nodes. When cutting the cuttings, be sure to cut 2 cm away from the stem node, and both the upper and lower cuts should be smooth (the knife must be sharp).

3. Hardwood cuttings

After the temperature rises in early spring, select robust branches from the previous year as cuttings. Each cutting usually retains 3 to 4 nodes, and the cutting method is the same as for softwood cuttings.

4. Cutting substrate

The cutting substrate can use fine sand : perlite = 3:1, or peat : vermiculite = 4:1, or peat : perlite : vermiculite = 4:1:1. Before cutting, first dip the lower end of the branch 1 cm to 2 cm into a growth regulator, such as 50 mg/L indoleacetic acid (IAA) + 50 mg/L indolebutyric acid (IBA) for 1 to 2 minutes, which can promote faster rooting of the cuttings. After cutting, in order to prevent water from accumulating at the bottom when the cuttings root, place a perforated tray under each plug tray containing the cuttings. After cutting, careful care is required. Cover the seedbed with plastic film and a shade net. On sunny days, mist (water) once every 1 to 2 days, and maintain the temperature at 22°C to 28°C, light at 5000 lux to 100000 lux, and relative humidity at 85% to 95%. After 40 to 50 days, they can root, and after about 60 days they can be transplanted into pots.

Medinilla magnifica

III. Cultivation management of the Medinilla magnifica

Repot every spring, remove the old soil, add fertile, well-drained leaf mold, and provide appropriate shading. During the growing period, keep the soil moist; in winter, cultivate indoors, increase light, and reduce watering. During the flowering period from April to June, the humidity should not be too high, otherwise it easily causes flower drop. When the flower buds begin to change color, growers should place the plant in a slightly warmer place to prevent bud drop. The number of flower buds must be proportional to the size of the plant, but the flower buds must be more than 5 cm long. If they are less than 5 cm and it happens to be winter, they are very likely not to bloom.

Classify the plants; in addition to classifying by the number of flowers, they can also be classified by different layers. Plants have three different layers: 1 layer, 2 layers, and 3 layers. Forcing flowering is a difficult point in the care of the Medinilla magnifica. Natural flowering is concentrated from January to May. If maintained in a greenhouse, flowering can be forced throughout the year. If you want to provide flowering plants after summer, you must control the temperature well; if the temperature is too high or too low, the flower buds will not fully open.

Pests and diseases: leaf spot and stem rot sometimes occur; spray with 70% thiophanate-methyl wettable powder at 1000 times dilution. Pests include whiteflies and scale insects; spray with 50% dichlorvos emulsifiable concentrate at 1000 times dilution to kill them.

Whether propagating the Medinilla magnifica by cuttings or by sowing, high-quality cutting branches and seeds must be selected, and poor-quality branches and seeds must be eliminated. Only in this way can you propagate a Medinilla magnifica with green leaves and brilliant flowers. If care and management are proper, the Medinilla magnifica can also bloom all year round.

Propagation methods of the Medinilla magnifica