Thechi (Ixora coccinea)

About Ixora Shrubs

If you don’t live in Florida or any other warm weather state, you may not know about Ixora shrubs. The plant can be used in other zones as an annual or as a container plant that gets moved indoors when cold temperatures threaten. The plant has shiny coriaceous leaves that ar oval formed and stiff. The plant is similar in appearance to and related to the gardenia. Blooms are clusters of four petaled florets which can last four to six weeks on the stem. Flowers ar most prolific in summer however can even seem at different times of the year.

How to Grow Ixora

The best floral displays are produced by Ixora grown in full sun situations. Well-drained soil Associate in Nursingd moderate to slightly acidic hydrogen ion concentration ar crucial to growing an Ixora bush. The plant develops chlorosis when installed in alkaline soils. Keep the soil evenly moist and prune the plant when it gets unruly. Ixora responds well to cutting and makes a wonderful low hedge with its four to six foot height. Propagation of the shrub is through stem cuttings which can be rooted with the help of a rooting hormone. The flowers also occasionally produce a dark purple to black berry with seeds that are sometimes viable. Clean the pulp off the seed and soak it over night. Plant in a very 2-inch pot full of smart seed starter combine. Moisten the mixture and fasten a bag over the pot. Place in a warm location with moderate light. Keep the pot moist and move it to bright light as soon as the seed has germinated. Care of Ixora Plant Ixora plant care is negligible, which makes it useful as part of the low maintenance landscape. Annual spring pruning and fertilizing will enhance the plant’s health. Some diseases that ar common ar fungous however is decreased  by suspending overhead watering. Water solely the basis zone to forestall the foliage from obtaining wet. Spider mites and aphids ar common however ar additional of a nuisance than a significant threat. Use an insecticidal oil spray to combat these pests. Use a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around the root zone to prevent competitive weeds, enhance water retention and add organic nutrients to the soil. Care of Ixora plants in containers needs re-potting each 2 to 3 years. Bring the shrubs indoors if any frost is predicted. The plants are extremely tender and will succumb to freezing temperatures.