Is it suitable to keep Ixora coccinea indoors?
The editor answers for the netizens whether Ixora coccinea is suitable for indoor cultivation and shares some experiences on the maintenance skills of Ixora coccinea in terms of green plant care. Next, the editor of this site will introduce to everyone.
Ixora coccinea, also known as Ixora, is a woody potted plant of the same family as Gardenia jasminoides, known as Fairy Dan Hua or Hundred-Day Red. Although the plant is short, it has rich and bright colors, beautiful flowers and leaves, an attractive shape, and dense blooming, with a long flowering period (March-December), making it popular among many flower enthusiasts. In the southern part of Guangxi, it is commonly called "Water绣球". Next, let's understand the issues that need attention during the maintenance of Ixora coccinea:
1. Potting Soil: Ixora coccinea belongs to the Ixora genus, which requires acidic soil, so it is necessary to choose slightly acidic humus-rich loamy soil for cultivation. We can mix rotten leaf soil (ripe farm manure), garden soil, and coarse river sand in a ratio of 2:2:1, with the soil needing to be loose, breathable, and well-drained.
2. Light and Temperature: As a positive plant, Ixora coccinea enjoys growing in a light and humid environment but is sensitive to direct sunlight. It should be placed in a sunny and sheltered area in spring and autumn. In the hot summer, it needs to be shaded or moved to a semi-shaded and sunny ventilated area. In winter, Ixora coccinea can bask in the sun for 8 hours, but attention should be paid to sunburn caused by strong light. The optimal growth temperature for Ixora coccinea is between 23-30°C, and it is not cold-resistant. Therefore, indoor maintenance in winter should keep the temperature between 15-18°C, maintain ventilation and humidity (by spraying water mist around), and move it outdoors at Qingming Festival. As autumn temperatures gradually drop below 15°C, it should be moved indoors.
3. Watering and Fertilizing: Although Ixora coccinea enjoys a warm and humid environment, it is also afraid of waterlogging. Therefore, it should be watered thoroughly every 3-5 days in spring and autumn. In the hot summer, water should be applied in the morning and evening, avoiding noon. Do not water during rainy days. Considering Ixora coccinea's preference for humidity, it is necessary to frequently spray water on the leaves. For fertilizing, follow the principle of "frequent application of thin fertilizer, and light application of thick fertilizer," applying ripe organic fertilizer once every half month during the growing season. As autumn temperatures decrease, the frequency of fertilizing should be gradually reduced, and fertilizing should stop in winter.
4. Repotting and Pruning: The best time for repotting Ixora coccinea is in May, usually once every 1-2 years. The general practice is to cut some old and diseased roots. Pruning is usually done in March, after the temperature rises and the plant is moved outdoors. It mainly involves thinning branches and leaves to ensure good ventilation between branches. If there are few branches, the main branches should be cut heavily to promote better growth of the lateral branches.
5. Disease and Pest Control: For diseases and pests, we must follow the principle of "prevention first, medication as a supplement." Common diseases of Ixora coccinea include leaf spot, anthracnose, and sootycrust disease. If they occur, first cut off the infected parts and leaves. Ensure timely ventilation and water and fertilizer supply. In severe cases, Benomyl can be sprayed for control. For pests, the main ones are red spiders, aphids, and scale insects. If the number is small, they can be manually killed. If the number is large, Dimethoate can be used for control.
6. Cutting Propagation: The main method of propagation for Ixora coccinea is cutting, as it is easy to survive and blooms quickly. Cuttings can be done from March to April. We can choose two-year-old lignified branches and cut them for propagation, which will take root after more than a month, and can be potted after 60 days of management.
The above introduction on whether Ixora coccinea is suitable for indoor cultivation and the specific content of maintenance skills for Ixora coccinea is prohibited from being copied without permission!