How to Grow Ixora Maui - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Ixora maui is a tropical plant that is native to the Hawaiian islands. It is a member of the Rubiaceae family and is also known as the false ipecacuanha. The plant has dark green leaves and produces small, white flowers. The flowers have a strong, sweet fragrance.

How to Grow Ixora Maui - Plant Care & Tips

Alternative name

  • Tiare
  • Hibiscus
  • Plumeria
  • Vigna lanceolata
  • Gardenia

Good to Know

  • Ixora maui is a species of flowering plant in the family Rubiaceae.
  • It is endemic to the Hawaiian island of Maui.
  • It is a small shrub reaching a height of 2–3 m (6–8 ft).
  • The leaves are evergreen, lanceolate to elliptical in shape, and measure 4–12 cm (6–7 in) long and 1–3 cm (0.39–18 in) wide.
  • The flowers are borne in clusters of 3-12 and are typically red, orange, or yellow in color.
  • Ixora maui is pollinated by bees, birds, and butterflies.
  • The fruits are drupes measuring 1–2 cm (0.39–0.79 in) in diameter.
  • Ixora maui is used in lei making and as an ornamental plant.
  • It is considered to be invasive in some parts of the world.
  • Ixora maui is native to the Hawaiian island of Maui.

Related plant:
Chinese Ixora

Growing Steps

  1. For ixora maui, first step is to find a sunny location. It should get at least six hours of sunlight each day.
  2. The second step is to prepare the soil. Ixora maui grows best in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. If your soil is alkaline, you can add some sulfur to lower the pH.
  3. The third step is to add organic matter to the soil. This will help improve drainage and aeration.
  4. The fourth step is to plant ixora maui in the spring or summer.
  5. The fifth step is to water ixora maui regularly. It prefers evenly moist soil.
  6. The sixth step is to fertilize ixora maui monthly. Use a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
  7. The seventh step is to deadhead ixora maui regularly. This will encourage new growth and more flowers.
  8. The eighth step is to prune ixora maui in the spring. This will help shape the plant and encourage new growth.
  9. The ninth step is to watch for pests and diseases. Ixora maui is susceptible to scale, mealybugs, and aphids.
  10. The tenth step is to enjoy the beautiful flowers of ixora maui!

Related plant:
Ixora Flowers

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, Ixora maui prefers humus-rich, well-drained soils, and is tolerant of a wide range of soils except those that are poorly drained. Maui ixora will grow in full sun to partial shade, although it flowers best in full sun. It is a fast grower and can become leggy if not pruned regularly.

Light condition

Just like other tropical plants, Ixora Maui requires a lot of sun to maintain its vibrant color. If you live in an area with limited sunlight, you may need to supplement with grow lights. Ixora Maui is a heat-loving plant, so it's important to keep it in a warm, sunny spot.

Good Temperature

The temperature on Maui is perfect year-round. No matter what time of year you visit, you can expect average temperatures in the low to mid 80s. The water is also warm and inviting, with an average temperature of 75 degrees.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 60-70%. If the humidity drops below 60%, the leaves will start to wither and the flowers will fall off. If the humidity rises above 70%, the leaves will start to droop and the flowers will wilt.

Fertilizing

Mentioning fertilizer, this family of plant need a lot of fertilizer to produce good looking and healthy plant. Ixora Maui prefers a high nitrogen fertilizer that is rich in organic matter. If you are using inorganic fertilizer, it is best to use a slow release fertilizer so that the roots will not be burned.

About light

Pruning is necessary to keep your ixora maui looking its best. bloom. Typically, you will need to prune your ixora maui once a year. Pruning will also help to keep your plant healthy by removing any dead or damaged branches.

The Propagation

Propagation of Ixora maui is typically done through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, actively growing plants and should be approximately 4-6 inches in length. Cuttings should be taken from the tips of the stems, as these will have the highest concentration of active growth hormones. Cuttings should be placed in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist until roots have developed and the plant has begun to actively grow.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is about 3 to 6 inches per year. Some ixora maui can grow up to 12 inches per year. ixora maui prefer full sun, but will tolerate some shade. ixora maui are drought tolerant once they are established. ixora maui can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or division.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant plants are caterpillars, nematodes, and scale. These problems can be controlled with the use of pesticides. However, it is important to read the pesticide label carefully and follow the directions for use.

Basics of Growing

  • Remember to water your ixora maui regularly. It is a tropical plant and needs to be kept moist.
  • Apply fertilizer to your ixora maui plant regularly to keep it healthy and encourage growth.
  • Place your ixora maui plant in an area where it will receive plenty of sunlight.
  • Keep the soil around your ixora maui plant well aerated to encourage growth.
  • Prune your ixora maui plant regularly to encourage new growth and keep it looking tidy.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases that could affect your ixora maui plant and treat them promptly.
  • When transplanting your ixora maui plant, be careful not to damage the roots.
  • If you live in an area with cold winters, you may need to bring your ixora maui plant indoors to protect

Similar Plants

  • Ixora coccinea
  • Ixora fuscata
  • Ixora javanica
  • Ixora parviflora
  • Ixora spp.
  • Ixora thwaitesii
  • Ixora websteri
  • Ixora barberiana (maui or pukalani)
  • Ixora pacifica
  • Ixora spp. (Ixora nutans group)

Source:
Fact Sheet: Ixora leaf spots and chlorosis are common. What to do?
FPS 291/FP291: Ixora coccinea - University of Florida
Ixora javanica (Jungle Geranium) | North Carolina Extension …

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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Shrubs Category