How to Grow Ixora? A Complete Guide to the Latest Cultivation Methods
Ixora is also known as Shandan flower, Longchuan flower, dwarf ixora, etc. It is an evergreen shrub of the genus Ixora in the family Rubiaceae. It can bloom all year round, but blooms most profusely in summer and autumn. The flowers are terminal, with 4 petals gathered into clusters. The flowers are delicate and gorgeous. It is drought-tolerant and heat-tolerant, robust in growth, and suitable for courtyard landscaping and potted cultivation, etc. Now let us take a look at the cultivation methods of Ixora!
Growth Habits of Ixora
Ixora is better suited to high temperatures and environments with ample sunlight. It prefers a humid and hot climate and is not tolerant of low temperatures. The optimum growth temperature is 23-32°C. When the temperature drops below 20°C, its growth weakens and flowering decreases noticeably, but if there is ample sunlight, it will still produce a certain number of flower buds. When the temperature drops below 10°C, its physiological activity decreases and growth slows. When the temperature drops below 0°C, frost damage occurs. It prefers acidic soil, and the most suitable soil pH is 5-5.5. It grows well in soil that drains well and retains fertilizer well.
Propagation Methods of Ixora
1. Cuttings: Ixora is best propagated by cuttings from June to July. Select semi-mature branches, 10-15 cm long, and insert them into a sand bed. The optimum temperature is 24-30°C, and roots form 40-50 days after insertion.
2. Sowing: Collect seeds in winter and sow in spring. The optimum germination temperature is 22-24°C. Seeds germinate 20-25 days after sowing. When 3-4 pairs of true leaves have grown, the seedlings can be transplanted into 8 cm pots.
3. Layering: For plants with many dense branches, perform ring barking 20 cm from the tip, wrap with peat and plastic film, and roots will heal and form in a little over 2 months.
Cultivation Methods of Ixora
1. Soil: The best soil for growing Ixora is fertile, loose, well-draining acidic sandy loam. For potted plants, use a mixed soil of potting soil, peat soil and coarse sand, with a pH of 5-5.5 being ideal.
2. Watering: Ixora likes moisture and fears dryness. Keeping the potting soil moist is beneficial for shoot sprouting and leaf growth. However, if it stays too moist for a long time, some roots are prone to rot, affecting growth and flowering.
3. Sunlight: Ixora needs ample sunlight. Under ample sunlight, the leaves are emerald green and glossy, which is beneficial for flower cluster formation, and the flowers bloom uniformly and vividly. Proper shading during strong summer light can extend the flowering viewing period.
4. Temperature: The optimum growth temperature for Ixora is 15-25°C, 24-30°C from March to September, and 13-18°C from September to March of the following year. In winter, the temperature should not fall below 0°C, as too low a temperature easily causes frost damage.
5. Fertilizing: During the growing season, apply once every half month a liquid fertilizer made by mixing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, ferrous sulfate and horseshoe chips in a 1:1:1:2:3 ratio, adding water, and fermenting until decomposed.
6. Pruning: Ixora is mostly pruned in spring after being moved outdoors, mainly to properly thin out the branches to facilitate ventilation and light penetration. In addition, proper pinching during the flowering period can help it produce more buds and flowers.
7. Pests and Diseases: Ixora is often harmed by leaf spot disease and anthracnose, which can be sprayed with a 1000-fold dilution of 10% antibacterial agent 401 acetic acid solution. For pest damage, there is scale insect damage, which can be killed by spraying with a 1500-fold dilution of 40% omethoate emulsifiable concentrate.