Description
Also known as flame of the woods or jungle flame, Ixora (Ixora coccinia) is an evergreen shrub with a rounded shape and attractive, glossy foliage.
Ixora is a genus of flowering plants in the Rubiaceae family. It consists of tropical evergreen trees and shrubs and holds around 500 species. Though native to the tropical and subtropical areas throughout the world, its center of diversity is in Tropical Asia.It is commonly known as West Indian Jasmine.
The plants possess leathery leaves, ranging from 3 to 6 inches in length, and produce large clusters of tiny flowers in the summer. Members of Ixora prefer acidic soil, and are suitable choices for bonsai.Plant Specifications
| Plant Height | 18 inch (46 cm) |
| Plant Spread | 8 inch (20 cm) |
| Common Name | Jungle Geranium, Flame of the Woods, Jungle Flame, West Indian jasmine. rangan, kheme, ponna, chann tanea, techi, pan, santan, jarum-jarum. |
| Maximum Reachable Height | Spread at least 3 to 4 inches |
| Flower Colour | Ixora comes in various colours like Red,orange, yellow, pink, white |
| Bloom Time | summer season |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
Planting and care
Ixora Long care
Ixora is a tropical to semi-tropical evergreen shrub. The plant is often grown as an annual in temperate and cooler climates. Ixora shrubs are known for their large corymbs of bright florets. The large flower clusters come in red, orange, yellow and pink, and its also known as jungle flame and flame of the woods. Minimal maintenance is needed when growing an Ixora bush.
The best floral displays are produced by Ixora grown in full sun situations. Well-drained soil and moderate to slightly acidic pH are 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 shearing and makes an excellent low hedge with its 4 to 6 foot height. Propagation of the shrub is through stem cuttings which can be rooted with the help of a rooting hormone.
Ixora plant care is negligible, which makes it useful as part of the low maintenance landscape. Annual spring pruning and fertilizing will enhance the plants health. Some diseases that are common are fungal but can be minimized by suspending overhead watering. Water only the root zone to prevent the foliage from getting wet. Spider mites and aphids are common but are more of a nuisance than a serious 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 requires re-potting every two to three yea Bring the shrubs indoors if any frost is predicted. The plants are extremely tender and will succumb to freezing temperatures.
| Sunlight | Bright light, but avoid direct sunlight in summer. |
| Watering | Ixora likes to be watered, but you shouldnt do it excessively. Keep soil continuously moist, but reduce watering in the winter. Very high humidity is preferred. |
| Soil | The most important thing to remember when planting Ixora is that it must be planted in acidic soil because alkaline soil can result in yellow foliage. These acid-loving plants thrive in rich, moist, peat-based soil. |
| Temperature | Above 60F is preferred even in winter. Avoid cold drafts if temperature drops lower |
| Fertilizer | Feed in spring with slow-release pellets or weekly during growing season with liquid fertilizer. |
Ixora Long special feature
ixora flowers are commonly used in Hindu worship, as well as in ayurveda and Indian folk medicine.
Ixora Long uses
Ornamental Use:
- This is Indoor plant
Medicinal Use:
- In the above-mentioned chemical composition of santan, it has been identified that the plant contains important phytochemicals that are known to have antioxidative, antibacterial, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, antidiarrhoeal, antinociceptive, antimutagenic, antineoplastic, and chemopreventive effects
- This analysis suggests the validity of the plants folkloric and ethnomedicinal uses