Selling Size : Single Plant | Pot Included | Secure Packing
Medinilla scortechini, often admired for its ornamental foliage and elegant growth habit, is a rare tropical species belonging to the Melastomataceae family. This plant thrives in humid forests and naturally grows as an understory plant, which means it prefers filtered light, high humidity, and consistently moist but airy soil. With the right care, it becomes a stunning collector’s plant that adds an exotic touch to any indoor or shaded garden setup.
Medinilla scortechini – Plant Care Guide:
🌤️ Light Requirements
Medinilla scortechini prefers bright, indirect light.
Direct sun can scorch the leaves, causing brown patches or crisp edges.
Ideal placement: near a window with filtered light or in a well-lit room away from harsh rays.
Outdoors, keep it in shade or dappled sunlight.
Low light slows growth, reduces leaf size, and may cause leggy stems.
💧 Watering
This plant loves moisture but hates stagnant water.Follow moist but not soggy care:
Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil feels dry.
In warm months: water every 4–6 days, depending on humidity.
In cooler climates: reduce watering slightly.
Always use rainwater or soft water if possible (hard water can leave leaf spots).
Avoid:
Waterlogging → leads to root rot
Long dry periods → causes leaf droop, crisp edges
🪴 Soil
Medinilla needs light, airy, and well-draining soil rich in organic matter.
Best soil mix:
40% coco peat or peat moss
30% perlite or pumice
20% orchid bark or coco chips
10% compost or leaf mold
This mimics its natural epiphytic/terrestrial environment and keeps roots healthy.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
Being a tropical species, Medinilla scortechini prefers:
Temperature: 18–30°C
Protect from cold drafts, AC airflow, or temperatures below 12°C.
Humidity: 60–80%It thrives in high humidity; dry air causes brown leaf edges and slow growth.
Ways to increase humidity:
Pebble tray
Room humidifier
Grouping plants together
Avoid misting directly on leaves (can cause fungal spots)
🌱 Fertilizing
Feed lightly during the growing season (March–September):
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to 1/2 strength.
Apply every 2–3 weeks.
Avoid feeding in winter or when the plant is stressed.
Over-fertilizing can burn roots and distort new leaves.
🔄 Repotting
Repot every 1–2 years, preferably at the start of the growing season.
Choose:
A pot only one size larger
A pot with excellent drainage
Repot if:
Roots circle the pot
Soil becomes compacted
Plant growth slows
🌿 Pruning
Pruning helps maintain a neat, bushy shape.
Remove yellow or damaged leaves.
Trim leggy stems to encourage branching.
Sterilize tools before use to avoid infection.
🌱 Propagation
Medinilla scortechini can be propagated through:
Stem cuttings
Select a healthy semi-woody stem.
Cut below a node.
Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
Plant in moist, airy mixture (peat + perlite).
Keep in warm, humid conditions.
Rooting can take 3–6 weeks.
🐛 Common Problems & Solutions
1. Leaf browning
Cause: Low humidity, direct sun, underwatering
Solution: Increase humidity, adjust light, maintain even moisture
2. Yellow leaves
Cause: Overwatering or poor drainage
Solution: Improve soil aeration, reduce watering
3. Pests
Susceptible to mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites.
Use neem oil or insecticidal soap once weekly until resolved.
4. Root rot
Cause: Waterlogged soil
Solution: Repot into airy mix, cut off rotten roots
🌸 Summary
Medinilla scortechini is a gorgeous tropical foliage plant that flourishes with indirect light, high humidity, and evenly moist soil. It’s a great choice for plant collectors and indoor gardeners looking for exotic species. With the right environment, it grows steadily and becomes a highlight in any plant collection.
