How to prune Ixora

Pruning the branches and leaves of Ixora

Generally, the flowering period of the dragon boat flower is from May to November, so it is not suitable for major pruning in this season. Appropriate pinching can make it produce more buds and flowers. If the branches are pruned in time, more nutrients will be used to provide for flowering, which can also extend the flowering period.

1. The Ixora is resistant to pruning. Before sprouting in spring, prune the weak and dense branches first, and shorten the rest of the branches of the year by 2-3 cm. After sprouting in spring, when the new buds grow to 10 cm long, they should be picked once, leaving only 2-3 buds at the base. When the branches grow 6-7 leaves, pick them again. This can control the shape of the tree and improve its ornamental value.

2. The inflorescence of Ixora opens at the top of the branch. When the first batch of flowers opens, the remaining flowers should be cut off. Leaf picking is usually done in mid-September. It is impossible to pick leaves after late September, otherwise it will be difficult to grow new leaves. Fertilize one week before and one week after leaf removal. Maintain sufficient sunlight and moist potting soil. New leaves can grow in about 20 days.

3. The branches that flower and bear fruit in summer and autumn of the same year should be cut short by about two-thirds. The branches and leaves cut after pruning should be burned together. After the leaves come out, spray the leaves with a mixture of 0.1% magnesium sulfate, 0.2% urea, 0.3% potassium dihydrogen phosphate, and 800 times methyl thiophanate 2-3 times, once every 10-15 days. The spraying amount should be evenly sprayed to wet the branches and leaves, and water should be dripping.

Tips for pruning Ixora

During the period of vigorous growth of Ixora, the branches need to be pruned in time, and the withered and yellow branches, diseased and old branches, diseased and insect-infested branches, as well as the overgrown, dense, and crossed branches should be pruned away, so that the nutrients are concentrated on the growth of new branches. After the flowers wither, the remaining flowers also need to be pruned.

Generally, when pruning the Ipomoea aquatica, you need to keep some branches with good growth and prune off the branches that are not growing well. You can appropriately comb out some of the denser branches.

Precautions for pruning Ixora

After the Ixora borealis blooms, it needs to be pruned back, cutting off about two-thirds, leaving 2-4 pairs of buds at the base, with a length of about 8-10 cm. When pruning, the cuts should be flat and not tear the wounds. The cut branches and leaves should be burned together.