How to grow Ixora? Cultivation methods and precautions of Ixora

The ivy is also known as Yingdan, Xiandanhua, and Bairihong. It is a plant of the Rubiaceae family and the ivy genus. The plant has a beautiful shape, the flowers bloom in clusters like hydrangeas, and it has a long flowering period and rich colors. It is an important type of potted ornamental flower. So how do you grow the Ipomoea axe? Let’s learn more about it below.

Breeding methods and maintenance points - Image copyright belongs to All">

1. Soil preparation

It is best to grow Ipomoea australis in loose, breathable, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. When preparing the soil, you can use leaf mold, perlite particles, and garden soil in a ratio of 2:1:1.

2. Light and temperature management

Ixora prefers a warm climate, and the suitable growth temperature range is between 15-30℃. At the same time, as a positive plant, Ipomoea aquatica needs sufficient light conditions during its growth period, but in summer, it is necessary to properly shade the sun to prevent burning of the leaves.

3. Watering tips

Ixora likes a humid environment, but is afraid of waterlogging. It is best to water thoroughly once every 3 days in spring and autumn, and water once in the morning and evening in summer. At the same time, in order to maintain a high humidity, the leaves of the Ipomoea should be sprayed with water frequently in summer, and no watering should be done on rainy days.

4. Reasonable fertilization

Ixora likes fertilizer and is tolerant to barrenness. During the seedling stage, it can be fertilized once every half a month using decomposed diluted liquid fertilizer. Apply decomposed organic fertilizer once every half a month during the growing season. Fertilizer should be applied once every half a month during the flowering period. Adult plants can be fertilized after new leaves grow in spring, but no fertilizer is needed in winter.

5. Pest and disease control

There are two main diseases and pests of Ipomoea aquatica: one is leaf spot disease and the other is scale insects. It is best to prevent and control these two diseases and pests together, using mancozeb for leaf spot disease and chlorpyrifos for scale insects. Mix the two pesticides and spray once every 15 days. It will effectively control the spread of pests and diseases.

6. Notes

(1) The Ixora can withstand short-term low temperatures of around 0°C, but cannot withstand frost. It should be moved to a sunny balcony for cultivation before frost.

(2) Since tap water is alkaline, ferrous sulfate must be added when watering. Ferrous sulfate can prevent the leaves from turning yellow and increase the acidity of the soil, allowing the roots to take root and grow normally in the acidic soil.

(3) After taking the Ixora flowers out of the house in spring, they should be pruned appropriately to facilitate ventilation and light. Pruning the tops of the flowers during the flowering period can help them produce more buds and flowers.

(4) Generally, the plant should be repotted once every two years. When repotting, the old roots should be trimmed appropriately. However, since Ixora is a taproot plant, in order to make the plant take deep roots and resist wind, be careful not to damage the taproot.

In general, the Ixora is easy to grow and keep alive, and its flowers look like hydrangeas, making it highly ornamental. In many places in our country, the Ixora is grown as a greening plant. Of course, it is also very simple to grow it into a potted plant. If you do the above maintenance and management work, it can bloom all year round.