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Ixoraspp.is a genus of small tropical flowering shrubs with large clusters of four-petaled flowers.
Ixora grows best in tropical conditions outdoors and in somewhat humid spaces indoors.
Ixora requires full sun, and moist, acidic soil, and thrives in temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Ixora Care
Here are the main care requirements for growing an ixora shrub.
Additionally, ixora plants prefer soil that has a slightly acidic pH level, ranging between 5.5 to 6.5.
Soil mixtures that have apH levelabove 7.0 can cause the plant to have dull foliage color.
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Water
True to their tropical nature, ixora plants appreciate consistent moisture.
Water them oftenthe specific amount will depend on the specific environment in your home.
Temperature and Humidity
A warm, moist environment is key for a thriving ixora plant.
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Additionally, ixora plants lovehumidity.
Keep your plant in a traditionally humid room of your home, like your kitchen or bathroom.
Proper nutrition will help boost the chances of your plant flowering.
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Here are just a few of the most popular cultivars.
Flowers bloom on new growth, so pruning is a great way to increase the blooms on your plant.
Propagating Ixora
To propagate your ixora plant, take cuttings in the spring.
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Rooting ixora is difficult, and you might needrooting hormoneand bottom heat for success.
If you spot any of these, harvest them and take these steps.
Ixora, in general, does not like to be root-bound.
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Plant ixora in quality potting soil with equal amounts of perlite and peat moss mixed in for drainage.
Ixora can also be trained as abonsai.
Do not place an ixora houseplant near any drafts or areas where there are temperature swings.
Overwintering
If temperatures dip into the upper 20-degree Fahrenheit mark, cover outdoor plants with a sheet.
Otherwise, the cold can be fatal to the shrub.
If the plant survives, cut off all the dead branches once spring approaches.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Ixora plants primarily need protection fromaphids,mealybugs, andscale.
The flowers have a deeply sweet fragrance.
Poor sunlight will reduce blooming.
Indoors, ixora is ideally agreenhouseor conservatory plant, where its flowers will bloom abundantly.
Deadheading Ixora Flowers
Pruneyour ixora plant after it blooms, and whenever the plant looks untidy.
Here are a couple of other signs of trouble to keep an eye on.
Leaves Dropping
Ixora houseplants need to find the right spot where they’ll thrive.
Ixora plants cannot tolerate the cold, especially when temperatures dip down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Place it under low windows or around a foundation as a low hedge, as well.
Most of the time an ixora plant likes to grow in full sun.
Some types of ixora prefer at least some shade or dappled sunlight, especially during the harsh summer months.
All About Ixoras.Naples Botanical Garden.
