Care and Growth of Ixora
The Ixora perennial plant produces flower blooms that come in an array of colors. This tropical to semi-tropical plant is grown widely in many home gardens and can also be found growing commercially. I have worked with these plants over the years and know the beauty and flavor they contribute to a garden area.
What is so unique about this garden beauty is that the flowers are small and grows in a cluster that sets this perennial apart from other garden plants. The Ixora is also known as the flame of the woods. This tropical plant can be found growing all over South Florida so if you are living in a region that meets the conditions of the Ixora making these babies a part of your garden design will give that WOW.
What I also found so amazing about the Ixora is there are more than 400 hundred species even many that are dwarf. There is absolutely a variety from which you can choose to meet your garden needs. The leaves of this evergreen shrub are glossy adding to its appeal. When installing some species it’s best to give the proper spacing because they can grow very large, when purchasing from your plant nursery or garden center it is good to inquire about the height and spread at maturity so they can fit comfortably in their permeant spot.
Below we will be looking at how to grow and care for these garden beauties also where they can be installed to make the best impact in your garden and landscapes. With that said let’s install these babies.
Things you must know
- Planting Location
- Soil Type
- Watering Methods
- Fertilizing Methods
- Garden insect pest of extras
- Disease of extras
- Where to place them
Plant Location
Ixora loves the full sun so it is best to install these evergreens in a location of this sort to have a constant display of healthy bloom.
Soil Type
When it comes to the type of soil Ixora prefers a soil that is slightly acidic and well-drained, adding organics to your existing soil will help. These shrubs are finicky about which soils they are installed in and installing them in soils that are alkaline will cause them to develop chlorosis. The signs of chlorosis are the yellowing of the leaves with dark green veins. The newer growth is affected by this and in extreme cases, the entire leaf becomes a light yellow or even white. Chlorosis is encouraged by iron being locked up in the soil and is not available to plant life. We will be looking more at chlorosis a bit later in this post.
Watering Methods
Give your Ixora evergreens a good drink of water then allow the soil to dry out somewhat between watering. A good rule is to keep the soil evenly moist.
Fertilizing Methods
Fertilizing your Ixora with a fertilizer that has a good nitrogen source will keep these evergreens in tip-top shape. Before applying fertilizers read and follow the manufacturer’s label because the label is the law.
Garden insect pests of Ixora
Ixora has their share of garden insect pests which I have encountered over the years on many occasions, having the know-how will help your plants bounce back to good health. Here are a few to keep an eye out for.
- Aphids
- Scales
- Spider Mite
These garden insects pests suck the sap from the Ixora and secrete a sugary substance known as honeydew. This honeydew will attract ants and also cause a black substance to form on the leaves know as sooty mold. This mold makes garden plants unattractive and can interfere with photosynthesis the process by which plants produce their food. The use of insecticidal soap will bring these garden pests under control.
Diseases of Ixora
There is no serious threat when it comes to diseases as far as extras are concerned. Just monitor the amount of water because overwatering can cause root rot.
Chlorosis of Ixora
As stated earlier chlorosis of Ixoras has to do with correcting the soil’s ph. To the inexperienced, this symptom may be mistaken for a plant disease when it is not. Because of a lack of iron this symptom arises. Treating with chelated iron will offer some help but it is better to apply liquid micronutrients to the foliage (Leaves) through spray applications. Before using chemicals read and follow the manufacturer’s label because the label is the law.
Here are a few ideas to place Ixoras.
- In your garden area
- Along Fences
- Along Proches
- Patio areas
- Can be used as a border plant
- Can be grown in containers and placed at the entryways of doors
- Garden walkways keeping them well-groomed with your pruner
Container grown Ixora
Don’t have the extra space but thinking about adding some of these babies to your spring garden the use of container gardening has made it easy for you. I love container gardening because container-grown plants can always be moved to a more secure area especially when the weather gets really bad like wintertime and other adverse conditions.
When growing Ixora from containers ensure that the container is large enough to accommodate your plant, the soil should be as mentioned above a soil that has good drainage such as organic soils that hold water really well but allow excess water to drain. The container should be placed in an area that gets lots of sunlight and has drain holes to allow water to drain. Ixora doesn’t like wet feet and if the water has no way to escape root rot will set in which is not good for your Ixora plant.
The final word
Ixora’s are pretty amazing and can really spruce up your spring garden so why not go for it and add these garden beauties which can work wonders. I have worked with these evergreens over the years and see first hand what they can do. Get a taste of the tropics with this tropical beauty better yet install a mixture of colors giving that sizzle that will be admired by families and friends.
About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.