Although they are relatively easy to grow outdoors under the right conditions, keeping an ixora plant happy and blooming inside can be a challenge even for an experienced gardener. In either location, the plant will grow slowly, so patience is key if you’re hoping for an oversized shrub. Ideally, ixora are greenhouse or conservatory plants, where their flowers will bloom abundantly. Still, if you maintain the conditions below, you have a good chance of having a happy ixora shrub with at least a few flowers.
Light
Ixora plants like bright light, so put them somewhere in your home where they can get at least eight to 10 hours of sunlight a day. A word of warning: Keep them away from harsh direct rays in the summer, which can dry out and burn the leaves if you’re not careful.
Soil
For the most healthy ixora plant possible, plant it in a soil mixture that is rich in organic matter and peat-based. Additionally, ixora plants love soil that has a slightly acidic pH level, ranging between 5.5 to 6.5. Soil mixtures that have a pH level above 7.0 can cause the plant to have dull foliage color.
Water
True to their tropical nature, ixora plants love being kept consistently moist. Water them often—the specific amount will depend on the specific environment in your home. A good rule of thumb is that the soil should never be allowed to dry out, though you can decrease your watering cadence a bit in the winter.
Temperature and Humidity
A warm, moist environment is key for a thriving ixora plant. Temperatures should be kept above 60 degrees Fahrenheit at all times (even in winter); avoid placing your plant anywhere in your home that has a cold draft, like by a nearby window or air conditioner. Additionally, ixora plants love humidity. Try keeping your plant in a traditionally humid room of your home, like your kitchen or bathroom. You can also spritz the plant daily with water to increase humidity, or invest in a small space humidifier to put near your ixora plant and any other tropicals you may have.
Fertilizer
Feed your ixora plant in the spring with slow-release fertilizer pellets, or weekly during its growing season with a liquid fertilizer. Proper nutrition will help boost the chances of your plant flowering.
Pruning Ixora
Prune your ixora plant after it blooms, and whenever the plant looks untidy. Ixora plants tolerate pruning well and can be trimmed by several inches—you can cut each shoot down to only one bud. Flowers bloom on new growth, so pruning is a great way to increase the blooms on your plant.
Propagating Ixora
To propagate your ixora plant, take cuttings in the spring. Rooting ixora is difficult, and you might need rooting hormone and bottom heat for success. Occasionally, the flowers produce dark purple berries with seeds that are sometimes viable. If you spot any of these, clean the pulp off the seed, then soak it overnight. Fill a 2-inch pot with seed starter mix and plant the seed, watering it well and fastening a plastic bag over the pot. Place the plant in a warm area with moderate light, moving it into bright light and removing the bag as soon as the seed germinates.
Common Pests and Diseases
Ixora plants primarily need protection from aphids and scale. If you spot signs of either issue, apply an insecticidal soap spray or neem oil to control the pests. If you notice your plant’s leaves developing dark spots, it may mean the plant is missing two primary micronutrients, iron and manganese. This is a common problem with acid-loving plants—treat the dark spots with a chelated micronutrient foliar spray applied directly to the leaves. Young leaves are better able to absorb the spray than old leaves, so they are more responsive to the treatment.
