How to Propagate Ixora? A Detailed Guide to Propagation Methods
Ixora is a plant in the Rubiaceae family, also known as water hydrangea. The ixora plant is relatively low-growing and comes in a rich variety of flower colors, giving it considerable ornamental value, and it is popular with many people. It can be planted in the open ground; it can be used to decorate various courtyards, scenic areas and so on, and it is also widely used as a potted plant. So when growing ixora, how should you propagate it? Below, the editor brings you the propagation methods for ixora. Let's take a look!
1. Seed propagation
For seed propagation, seed collection should be carried out in winter, and then spring sowing should be done in the following year. After sowing, the temperature should be kept at around 23°C, with sowing in indoor seedling trays as the main method, and germination will occur in about 3 weeks. Transplant when the seedlings have grown about 6 leaves. If the rainy season comes, drainage work must be done well; during planting it must never be too wet, otherwise it will have a considerable effect on the flowering of ixora. In severe cases, the plant will show phenomena such as bud drop and root rot. Then pay attention to maintaining a good air environment to promote normal growth of the ixora.
2. Cutting propagation
Cutting propagation should be carried out in warm weather, so from the beginning of March each year all the way to October, cutting propagation can be done. First, we need to select a robust branch about one year old. It must not be too tender, otherwise its survival rate will be extremely low, nor too old, because if it is too old it will be harder to root. Then cut it into cuttings of about 12-14 cm, remove the leaves at the base, and insert it into the substrate. After cutting, keep it moist; it will root in about two months, and about 10 days after rooting, transplanting can be carried out, maintaining a semi-shaded environment. Before cutting, soak the base of the cutting in rooting agent for about 5 minutes, which can increase the rooting rate, shorten the rooting time, and make the roots more developed.
3. Layering propagation
Besides sowing and cutting, ixora can also be propagated by layering. The time for layering propagation comes at the beginning of spring each year, and it is best when the plant has many branches and they are relatively densely distributed. First select a robust branch, then at a position about 20 cm from the top, perform girdling on it. Then wrap it with plastic film plus peat. It also roots in about two months; after rooting, separate the branch from the mother plant and pot it up, and it becomes a new plant. After it survives and sprouts, apply a light fertilizer about once every half a month; when the weather is too dry, spray water appropriately; when the seedling grows to about 15 cm, pinch it appropriately to promote the growth of side branches.
The above is a brief introduction to ixora propagation methods. There are many propagation methods for ixora. When propagating, everyone should choose a good propagation method according to their own habits and the local weather, so as to ensure the ixora grows vigorously. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only. Thank you for reading and supporting.