How to grow Ixora? Detailed guide to cultivation methods and precautions
Ixora is an important potted woody flower, also known as Yingdan, Xiandan flower, hundred-day red, etc. It is a shrub plant of the genus Ixora in the family Rubiaceae. People in southern Guangxi province in China customarily call it water hydrangea. It is suitable for courtyard, hotel and scenic area landscaping, with staggered heights and bright flower colors, and an excellent landscape effect. It is widely used for potted ornamental display. Now let us take a look at the cultivation methods and precautions for Ixora.
Growth habits of Ixora
Ixora is more suited to high temperatures and environments with ample sunlight. It likes 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 have 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 will occur. It likes acidic soil, and the most suitable soil pH is 5-5.5. Soil with good drainage and good fertilizer retention can allow it to grow well. The best cultivation soil is sandy loam or humus loam rich in organic matter. If the soil is alkaline, growth will be hindered and development will be poor.
Propagation methods of Ixora
1. Cuttings: For Ixora cutting propagation, it is best to do it from June to July. Select semi-mature branches 10-15 cm long and insert them into a sand bed. The suitable temperature is 24-30°C. Roots form 40-50 days after insertion. Soaking the cuttings in 0.5% indolebutyric acid solution for 3-5 seconds can shorten the rooting period.
2. Sowing: Collect Ixora seeds in winter and sow in spring. The suitable germination temperature is 22-24°C. They 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 Ixora layering propagation, choose plants with many and dense branches. Make a ring cut 20 cm from the tip, wrap with peat and plastic film, and it can heal and root in more than 2 months.
Cultivation methods of Ixora
1. Soil: The best soil for growing Ixora is fertile, loose and well-drained acidic sandy loam. For potting, use a mixed soil of culture soil, peat soil and coarse sand, with a pH of 5-5.5 being suitable.
2. Watering: Ixora likes moisture and fears dryness. During the stem and leaf growth period, sufficient water is needed to keep the potting soil moist, which is beneficial for shoot sprouting and leaf growth. However, being too wet for a long time can easily cause part of the root system to rot, affecting growth and flowering. If the soil is too dry or alternates between dry and wet, and water is not supplied in time, leaf drop will occur.
3. Sunlight: Ixora needs ample sunlight, especially during the stem and leaf growth period. Under sufficient sunlight, the leaves are emerald green and glossy, which is beneficial for inflorescence formation, neat flowering and vivid flower color. It can also grow in semi-shade, but the leaves are pale green and lack gloss, flowering is less, and the flower color is lighter. However, appropriate shading during strong summer sunlight can prolong the viewing period of the flowers.
4. Temperature: The optimum growth temperature for Ixora is 15-25°C, from March to September it is 24-30°C, and from September to March of the following year it is 13-18°C. The winter temperature should not be lower than 0°C, as too low a temperature makes it susceptible to frost damage. On the contrary, Ixora is tolerant of high temperatures and still grows normally above 32°C. Overall, Ixora has relatively strong adaptability to temperature.
5. Fertilizing: During the growth period, apply once every half month a liquid fertilizer made by mixing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, ferrous sulfate and horse hoof slices in a 1:1:1:2:3 ratio, adding water, and allowing it to decompose and ferment.
6. Pruning: Ixora pruning is mostly done after the plants are moved outdoors in spring, mainly to properly thin the branches of the plant to facilitate ventilation and light penetration. In addition, proper pinching during the flowering period can make it produce more buds and flowers.