Basically, you don't have to cut a Medinilla magnifica at all. However, some experts recommend annual pruning as this is intended to increase flowering. When is the best time to cut the non-toxic medinilla and what do you have to pay attention to?
When and how should you cut a Medinilla Magnifica?
A Medinilla Magnifica should be cut back immediately after flowering by shortening long shoots to half and removing gnarled branches. Flowers that have bloomed should always be removed to encourage the plant to bloom. Always use clean and sharp cutting tools.
When is the best time to cut a Medinilla magnifica?
- Pruning after flowering
- remove spent flowers
- Cut cuttings
The best time to cut back a Medinilla magnifica is directly after flowering. Then there is no risk of you removing inflorescences that have already been planted for next year.
If you cut back the Medinilla in spring, make sure not to remove too many new shoots.
You should cut off the flowers as soon as they have finished blooming. This care measure will extend the flowering period. The flower spikes are cut directly at the base of the stem with a sharp, clean knife.
How to shorten the Medinilla magnifica correctly
When pruning after flowering, shorten all long shoots by cutting them back to half. Even very gnarled branches are removed.
Cut cuttings in spring
Caring for a Medinilla magnifica is quite difficult. However, their propagation via cuttings is all the easier. To do this, cut head cuttings with a length of seven to ten centimeters in spring. The lower leaves are plucked off.
Put the shoot pieces into prepared pots. A mixture of sand and peat or potting soil is suitable as a growing substrate.
The soil must be kept evenly moist but not too wet. Place a plastic bag over the cutting. You should ventilate these once a day to prevent mold from developing. In a very warm, bright location, the cutting roots quickly and can then be cared for like an adult plant.
Pay attention to cleanliness when cutting
The Medinille is very susceptible to fungal diseases. Therefore, work with clean knives or secateurs. It's best to disinfect them beforehand to avoid transmitting germs.
All cuts must be made as smoothly as possible. Therefore, only sharp cutting tools should be used.
Tip
The roots of the medinilla are very delicate and break easily. You have to be very careful when repotting so that the plant survives the move well.