Dwarf Ixora’s Care Guide

Post 4: #PlantCare #Gardening

Ixora is a shrub bearing beautiful clusters of flowers. They’re good plants that could bear heat well and are low maintenance so are very good plants for indoor and outdoor both. These plants grow up to 2 ft in height they’re great as hedges in the garden. They’re evergreen plants & great for warm climate.

How to take care of Dwarf Ixora?

Temperature

They love the warm climate. They could withstand temperature close to 0°C but plants love temperature above 15°C. The ideal temperature range is 10-30°C (65-70°F). they should be protected from harsh heat & would prefer a window with good sunlight. They’re happy at room temperature.

Watering

They love moist soil but not wet soil. We should only water when the top layer of soil is dried out. The watering need for plant depends on:

• Temperature
• Sunlight exposure
• Container/ in ground
• Season

A well-draining container should be used for planting to avoid overwatering since the plant may suffer from root rot if it sits for too long in soggy soil.

Lighting

These plants love sunlight. They need a few hours of direct sunlight in a day. Ideally, they should get morning sun and shade during the afternoon. They need adequate sunlight for better health of the plant. In less sunlight, the flowering is less, and in the harsher sun the flowers wilts & drops.

If the plant is indoor the keeps it on the well-lit window with direct sunlight, the indoor is cool enough for the plant to tolerate it well. In case you have seen any drooping the reposition the plant away from sunlight.

The flowers would wilt, droop or fall in harsh light.

[Tweet “Ixora loves sunlight and warm climate.”]

Humidity

They love moderate to high humidity. You could consider sprinkling the plant frequently to keep them from drying.

Repotting

Ixora’s are slow growers so they don’t need repotting frequently once in 1-2 years. They’re fussy about the soil they need slightly acidic pH 5-6 range. Add acidic compost/ mulch over the plant to maintain the pH & moisture.

Pruning

They won’t grow more than 2 ft in height. They’re the best plants to be used as hedges. The plant is very versatile & could be reshaped easily. They could shape well. They tolerate pruning well & could grow back easily. Pruning should preferably be done during springs.

Flowering

Flowers grow in the clusters & flower is shaped like a star. They could be found in various colors like red/peach/pink/white/yellow. They’re non-toxic plants.

Fertilization

They don’t need fertilization during winters but during spring & summers, you should fertilize every 2 weeks to keep them blooming.

Propagation

They propagate from the seeds that are produced after flowers in for of berries.

From the cutting of a branch. Plant it in a sunny location in a pot for 4-6 weeks and check for roots if it has taken up.

Common problems

• Pests like spider mites/ Aphids
• Root rot

They’re beautiful, low maintenance plants. They make good indoor plants.

Happy Gardening to all

This is the series of Indoor Plant care guide & it’s the Forth post of the series.

• Post 1: How not to Kill Succulents?
• Post 2: How to keep Coleus Healthy & Colorful?
• Post 3: How to Keep Peace Lily Healthy & Blooming?
• Post 4: Dwarf Ixora’s Care Guide