How to prune Ixora? A detailed guide to the latest pruning methods
Ixora is a flower that blooms very brilliantly, with dense flowers and a long flowering period, offering flowers to admire all year round. Its colors are vibrant and varied, making it a flower of extremely high ornamental value. I believe flower lovers are very fond of it too! So, since this flower blooms so densely, how should we prune it? Next, Shuashuai will teach everyone how to prune Ixora!
I. Ixora pruning methods
Ixora has an attractive plant form and a very long flowering period. During peak bloom it looks like a burning torch. When propagated seedlings grow to 15-20cm tall, the terminal buds should be removed to release apical dominance and promote branch growth. Every year in early spring when repotting, pruning should be done, cutting away overly dense thin branches, aging branches, and diseased or damaged branches, allowing new branches to grow. After pinching the plant and shortening flowering branches, be sure to apply fertilizer promptly.
II. Ixora pruning tips
1. Because Ixora grows very quickly, it is relatively tolerant of pruning. Before spring budding, first cut away thin weak branches and overly dense branches, and at the same time shorten the current year's new branches by leaving 2-3cm. After budding, when new shoots grow to 10cm long, pinch once, leaving only 2-3 buds at the base. Soon 2-3 branches will grow. When the branches grow 6-7 leaves, pinch once more to promote branching and flowering and improve ornamental value.
2. The inflorescences of Ixora open at the tips of the branches. After the first batch of flowers opens, cut off the spent flowers. After applying fertilizer, it can bloom again after a period of growth. To improve ornamental value, after removing all old leaves, it is very difficult for new leaves to grow again, so fertilization work should be done one week in advance to supply the nutrients needed for its growth. After leaf removal, apply fertilizer once more to ensure sufficient nutrient supply.
3. Branches that bloomed and bore fruit in summer and autumn of the current year should all be shortened by about two-thirds, retaining only 3-4 pairs of bud eyes at the base, with the base stump length preferably around 8-10 cm. After leaves emerge, spray the leaf surface 2-3 times with a mixture of 0.1% magnesium sulfate, 0.2% urea, 0.3% potassium dihydrogen phosphate, and 800 times methyl thiophanate, about once every half month. This can make the bud eyes plump and promote sprouting, and can also protect the wounds and prevent infection by pathogens.
The above are the pruning methods and some tips for Ixora. Have you smart people learned them? Only by doing these things can Ixora bloom with rich and brilliant colors. Because Ixora has a very long flowering period, the more new branches it produces, the more flowers it blooms, and the stronger its ornamental appeal!