Maintenance Landscaping Design

Chinese ixora is a plant that is native to tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. It is a shrub that can grow to be about 6 feet tall and has dark green leaves. The flowers of the chinese ixora are typically white or pink and they bloom in the summer.

Popular name

• Singapore Holly
  
• Christmas Berry
  
• Indian Jasmine
  
• Pewa
  
• Jungle Geranium

Things to Know

• Chinese ixora is an evergreen shrub that is native to Southeast Asia.
  
• It can grow up to 6 feet tall and has glossy, dark green leaves.
  
• The flowers are small and white, and they bloom in clusters.
  
• Chinese ixora is tolerant of a wide range of conditions, including full sun and shade, and it is drought-resistant.
  
• It is relatively easy to care for and does not require a lot of pruning.
  
• Chinese ixora is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including scale insects, mealybugs, and root rot.
  
• It is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscaping.
  
• Chinese ixora is also known as jungle geranium, because it is often found in the wild in jungles.
  
• The essential oil of Chinese ixora is used in aromatherapy and has a strong, floral scent.
  
• Chinese ixora is a member of the Rubiaceae family, which includes coffee and gardenia.

Growing Steps

1. For chinese ixora, first step is clearing the land.
   
2. Then, ploughing the land and levelling it.
   
3. After that, furrow the land and make sure the water can drains out properly.
   
4. Then, add some compost or manure to the soil.
   
5. next step is planting the chinese ixora seedlings.
   
6. water the seedlings regularly.
   
7. fertilize the seedlings every month.
   
8. when the plant blooms, prune it regularly to encourage new growth.
   
9. finally, enjoy your beautiful chinese ixora plant!

Related plant:
Abutilon Chinese Lantern

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, Chinese ixora prefer well-drained, sandy loam soil with a slightly acidic pH. They are salt-tolerant and do not do well in wet, poorly drained soils. Add organic matter to the planting bed to improve drainage and increase fertility.

Light condition

Not too different with other plants, the Chinese Ixora need sun to grow and stay healthy. The amount of sun required depends on the variety of Ixora. Some can tolerate partial sun, but others need full sun to perform well. When grown in too much shade, the plant becomes leggy and produces fewer flowers.

The Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for a Chinese Ixora is warm weather. They do not like it when the temperature gets too cold or too hot. They like to be in an environment that is moist but not too wet.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40- 50%. If the humidity is to high or to low it will affect the growth of the plant. Also, the flowers will not last as long if the humidity is not at the ideal level.

Fertilizer Requirement

Regarding fertilizer, this family of plant is not fussy and will do well with any type of commercial fertilizer. Just be sure to follow the package directions. Ixora also doesn't mind being root bound, so there's no need to worry about repotting too often.

Light requirement

Pruning is a vital part of caring for a Chinese ixora plant. Pruning not only helps to keep the plant looking its best, but also helps to encourage new growth. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or dying branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. This will help to promote air circulation and prevent the spread of disease.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of Chinese ixora is best done by rooting semi-ripe cuttings taken from the tips of new growth in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be about 6 inches (15 cm) long and have several leaves. Cuttings can be rooted in pots filled with a mix of peat and sand or in perlite. Rooting hormone will speed up the process. Keep the cuttings moist but not wet and in a warm, humid place until roots have formed. Once rooted, the plants can be transplanted into pots filled with a well-drained potting mix.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the plant's age and how many leaves it has. The average growth rate for a chinese ixora is about 2 inches per year. The growth rate for a new chinese ixora plant is generally faster than for an older plant.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are pests, diseases, and nutritional disorders. pests include whiteflies, scale, and mealybugs. Diseases include root rot, powdery mildew, and leaf spot. Nutritional disorders include deficiency in nitrogen, potassium, and iron.

Growing Tips

• Do not forget to water the Chinese ixora plant regularly. If the plant dries out, it will drop its leaves.
  
• Place the plant in a bright spot, but avoid direct sunlight.
  
• The Chinese ixora plant likes humid conditions, so mist it regularly or place it in a humid room.
  
• The Chinese ixora plant is not frost-tolerant, so bring it indoors or protect it during cold weather.
  
• Fertilize the Chinese ixora plant monthly during the growing season.
  
• Prune the plant regularly to keep it compact and encourage new growth.
  
• The Chinese ixora plant is susceptible to mealybugs and scale, so check it regularly for pests.
  
• The Chinese ixora plant is also susceptible to root rot, so make sure the pot has good drainage.
  
• Replant the Chinese ixora plant every two to three

Similar Plants

• Chinese lantern
  
• Chinese cabbage
  
• Chinese celery
  
• Chinese date
  
• Chinese dragon
  
• Chinese elm
  
• Chinese fan palm
  
• Chinese fir
  
• Chinese hibiscus
  
• Chinese honeysuckle

Source:
Chinese Stories?Learn Mandarin From Chinese Stories
FPS 291/FP291: Ixora coccinea - University of Florida
Fact Sheet: Ixora leaf spots and chlorosis are common. What to do?