The ixora plant, also known as the isoca, Maltese cross or coral among many other common names, it is a plant native to the tropical areas of Asia, although it is currently also widespread in the tropics of America and in other parts of the planet. It is a fairly adaptable and easy-to-grow plant, which tends to grow well in most warm or temperate climates, and whose main use is aesthetic thanks to its small flowers that grow in the shape of a cross in bunches that form spheres on the surface. own plant when its flowering is abundant. If you want to know the ixora plant careas well as some of the most common varieties that can be found, keep reading EcologíaVerde and we will tell you about it.
Ixora plant care
The isoca plant care, they are quite simple since it is a fairly resistant plant. However, if what we want is for the ixora flower to grow strong and look as beautiful as possible, it is best to follow a series of tips to improve all its conditions as much as possible.
light and location
One of the aspects that we have to take into account when take care of an ixora is that you will need indirect light. Although it supports direct sunlight well, it is preferable that the light that reaches it is slightly filtered. In this sense, it will suffice to place it near a window or on a terrace that is protected from the most intense solar radiation or from several hours a day.
Substrate and risks
Regarding the ground, you need a Substrate that is slightly acidic and, if possible, a soil that is rich in organic matter. In addition, it is also recommended that it be a soil that has good aeration, since it is a plant that does not tolerate waterlogging very well. Despite this, it is a plant that needs to have a continuously moist soil and environment. Therefore, it is advised water it often and, from time to time, spray a little water on its leaves to moisten the environment and all its parts. However, it is better prevent water from accumulating in the saucer of the pot, since it is not recommended that the substrate is waterlogged.
Plagues and diseases
Some of the problems that this plant presents, whether it is in a pot or planted directly in the ground, is the attack of some pests, among which mealybugs. These can be combated with a natural insecticide formulated from a mixture of soapy water from potassium soap. In this other EcologíaVerde article we show you how to make potassium soap for natural insecticide.
How to plant an ixora: reproduction and transplant
at the time of plant an ixora we have two two ways to do it. On the one hand, you can directly choose to plant your seeds. In this case, it must be taken into account that the isoca or ixora plant is slow-growing, which means that those specimens that grow from ixora seeds They may take several years to develop enough to flower.
Reproduction by cuttings
On the other hand, if we want the new ixora to show flowers in a maximum period of six months, the best option is to reproduce it through cuttings. To do this, you need to cut a branch of an adult ixora, for example after pruning, and place it in water for a few days until it takes root. Then, we must transplant the cutting into a pot with a substrate that has a slightly acidic pH and water it abundantly. In this case, the new ixora will most likely flower the same year it was planted, so this is usually the most popular method when it comes to planting. plant a new ixora.
Transplant an ixora plant
If you are looking to repot an ixora plant from the pot to the ground or from a small pot to a larger one, then you will need to keep in mind that the plant should be as healthy as possible at the time and best if it is not in full bloom or starting it. Always make sure that the substrate, whether in the ground or in a pot, drains well enough and when you finish planting it in its new place, add fertilizer and water it.
Types and varieties of ixora plant
Actually, when talking about the ixora plant we are referring to a plant family made of more than 500 species. Although most have many elements in common with each other, each of them has its own peculiarities and differences. Some of the most common are the following:
- Ixora coccinea: This is by far the most representative ixora of the genus and the most widespread of all. It usually reaches a meter in height, although specimens have been known to grow up to three meters.
- Ixora chinensis: It receives its name from its origin in China and certain areas of Southeast Asia. It is characterized by being somewhat smaller than the ixora coccinea and by the intense red or yellow color of its flowers.
- Maui Ixora: It is a hybrid of ixora that is usually found in the southernmost parts of the United States. It is characterized by its orange color reminiscent of the tone of apricots.
- Dwarf Ixora: also known as compact ixora, it is characterized by its small size. It is highly valued in landscaping, since its flowers attract both butterflies and hummingbirds, which adds value to the aesthetics of the gardens.
- Dwarf or mini: also known as West Indian jasmine, it is a type of ixora that is characterized, in addition to its smaller size, by a variety of colors, among which pink and fuchsia stand out. Likewise, its leaves are somewhat longer than those of other varieties of ixora.
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