As the Spring Festival approaches, Guangzhou Flower Expo Park is set to unveil a stunning new floral attraction this year: a rare red flower imported from abroad, known as "The Lotus Lantern." This unique bloom, resembling a traditional Chinese palace lantern, has already captured the attention of major local media outlets and drawn large crowds eager to witness its beauty.
The official name of this flower is *Medinilla magnifica*, a perennial evergreen shrub belonging to the Melastomataceae family. Native to the rainforests of the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia, it typically grows on trees or stone walls. During its flowering season, its striking, bell-shaped inflorescences create a dazzling display. When the buds begin to open, they first reveal a pinkish-white sepal, followed by a delicate, pearl-like pink ball that appears on the flower stem, creating an elegant and ethereal look. Many have called it "the dream of flowers."
In 1819, a Dutch horticulturist named Auroraris discovered this plant in the countryside of the Philippines and brought it back to Europe for cultivation. The flower’s resemblance to a lotus has led to its association with Buddhist symbolism, where the Buddha is often depicted sitting on lotus petals. In Buddhist teachings, the "Lianjie" (lotus world) represents peace, enlightenment, and serenity. As such, the flower is considered sacred and auspicious.
In 1948, an American oil painter named Svir came across this beautiful "Lotus Lantern" at a flower shop and purchased it to paint. His artwork gained widespread recognition, and eventually, the painting was acquired by the Washington Museum. The flower then became famous, prompting a clever Dutch botanist to travel to Indonesia, collect the plant, and cultivate it globally. This move earned him the nickname "the one who dug out the first barrel of gold."
The "Lotus Lantern" has an elegant, upright posture, growing up to knee height, with dark green leaves. Its blooming season runs from February to August. After two new leaves appear, a new flower bud forms, and the flowering period lasts around eight to nine months. With proper flower control techniques, it can bloom for many years. Each bloom is as large as a boxing glove, resembling both a lotus and the legendary "Lotus Lantern." Known for its elegance, long-lasting bloom, and limited supply, this exotic flower can cost hundreds of dollars. Experts believe that "Lotus Lantern" has the potential to become a rising trend in the floral market.
For potted cultivation, it's best to use a mix of peat soil and coarse sand to ensure good drainage and air circulation. Provide 50% shade using plastic film covers. Water daily, and apply liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Maintain temperatures between 20°C and 30°C, and keep it above 15°C in winter. If properly cared for, the plant will bloom from November to March each year. During flowering, reduce watering slightly, keeping the soil slightly moist to avoid root rot. Propagation is done by cutting annual branches in spring and placing them in a sand bed. Roots typically form within 30 days, after which the cuttings can be transplanted into pots for further growth.
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