Detailed Guide to the Planting Methods and Key Technical Points for Ixora
Ixora (Ixora chinensis Lam.), also known as Yingdan, Xiandan flower, and Hundred-day red, is a plant of the family Rubiaceae and the genus Ixora. The plant is low-growing, with elegant flowers and leaves and a rich range of flower colors, including red, orange, yellow, white, and bicolor. With its attractive plant form, dense flowering, and rich flower colors, it is an important potted woody flowering plant and is the national flower of Myanmar. In southern Guangxi Province, China, people customarily call it Hydrangea. Ixora has a relatively long flowering period and can bloom from March to December each year.
Cultivation methods for Ixora:
[Soil] The soil chosen for Ixora must preferably be fertile, loose, well-drained acidic sandy soil. If grown in a pot, it is best to use a mixed soil of cultivation soil, peat soil, and coarse sand.
[Watering] Ixora likes moisture and fears dryness. During the stem and leaf growth period, sufficient water is needed, and keeping the potting soil moist is beneficial for shoot sprouting and leaf growth.
[Sunlight] Ixora needs sufficient 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 colors.
[Temperature] The suitable growth temperature for Ixora is 15-25°C, from March to September it is 24-30°C, and from September to the following March it is 13-18°C. The winter temperature should not be lower than 0°C, as too low a temperature makes it prone to frost damage.
[Fertilization] During the growth period, apply once every half month a liquid fertilizer made by mixing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, ferrous sulfate, and horse hoof pieces in a ratio of 1:1:1:2:3, adding water, and fermenting until decomposed.
[Pruning] Pruning is mostly carried out in spring after the plant is moved outdoors, mainly to properly thin out the branches of the plant to facilitate ventilation and light penetration. In addition, proper pinching during the flowering period can help it produce more buds and flowers.
[Pests and Diseases] Ixora is often harmed by leaf spot disease and anthracnose, and can be sprayed with a 1000-fold dilution of 10% fungicide 401 acetic acid solution.
Key cultivation points for Ixora
During the growth period, fertilize once every half month or use Huiyou 21-7-7 acid fertilizer. If leaf yellowing is found, alum fertilizer water can be applied.
Temperature: The suitable growth temperature is 23-32°C. It likes high temperatures and fears cold.
Light: Ixora is a typical tropical flowering plant. During cultivation, it must be given full light, but it is also relatively shade-tolerant.
Moisture: It is tolerant of water and moisture, but must not have water accumulation.
Air humidity: It likes high humidity. In summer, pay attention to spraying water on the plant to maintain relatively high air humidity.
Fertilization: Spring, summer, and autumn are the growth and flowering periods. Apply topdressing 1-2 times per month. If yellow leaves are found, alum fertilizer water can be applied. '
Propagation: Mainly by cuttings, carried out in the high-temperature, high-humidity summer. Use green branch cuttings, 8-10 cm long. The substrate must be loose, maintain 90% humidity, and shade is needed. Roots form and the plants survive in about 1 month, and they can be transplanted after 3 months.