Tropicals
Medinilla spp.
Malaysian orchid · medinilla
Broad, glossy leaves and pendent clusters of small pink flowers give Medinilla its tropical appeal. Despite the common name Malaysian orchid, it is not a true orchid. A warm, bright indoor position and an airy growing mix are more important than treating it like an ordinary bedding plant.
At a glance
- Water
- Allow some drying in an airy mix
- Light
- Bright filtered light or gentle partial sun
Sizes & prices
- 8"Call for price
Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.
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Pet safety
- Pets
- The University of Zurich veterinary plant database found no published toxicity reports for Medinilla magnifica and notes other Medinilla species likewise have no reported toxicity. This is not a guarantee of safety; do not let pets eat the plant.
If a pet eats a potentially toxic plant, contact your veterinarian promptly.
Growing & care
- Temperature
- Above 60°F
- Soil
- Open, porous mix with good drainage.
- Humidity
- Preferably 50% or higher.
- Feeding
- Balanced fertilizer during active growth; stop in winter.
- Pruning
- Prune after flowering to control size and fullness.
- Pests
- Watch for mealybugs; cool, wet conditions encourage root rot.
- Winter
- Keep indoors above 60°F; stop feeding during winter.
- Size & pruning
- Medinillas vary in size. Prune after flowering to maintain container size and fullness; an unidentified offering should not be assigned one species’ landscape dimensions.
Sources & photo credits
University of Zurich veterinary toxicology database
Reviewed September 26, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.