Consulta Plantas

Care of the indoor plant Ixora coccinea or Flame of the woods

The genus Ixora, family Rubiaceae, comprises 500 species of shrubs native to tropical regions of all continents; there are a lot of varieties and hybrids. Some species are: Ixora coccinea, Ixora ferrea, Ixora chinensis, Ixora pavetta, Ixora peruviana.

Common names: Jungle geranium, Flame of the woods, Maui sunset, Iron tree, Jungle flame. This species is native to WIndia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Indo-China.

They are dense evergreen shrubs that reach 1.8 meters (70.86") in height. The leaves are leathery, dark green, oval in shape and opposite arrangement. They produce large inflorescences with tubular red, orange, pink or white flowers. They can bloom throughout the spring and summer.

They are used as hot greenhouse or indoor plants; locate away from heating and drafts.

The Ixora coccinea should never receive direct sunlight; It needs a light shade exposure in winter and a brighter one in summer. The winter temperature should not be lower than 16 ºC (60.8 ºF).

The soil can be a mixture of 50% garden soil and 50% leaf mulch; they do not resist calcareous soils. They do not resist transplants well.

Water regularly with warm, lime-free water so that the substrate is slightly damp; decrease the frequency of watering in winter. The humidity must be high, especially in spring and summer.

Fertilize once a month with mineral fertilizer during spring and summer to promote flowering.

Prune in early spring to remove dry branches.

They can be attacked by mealybugs if they suffer drought; they lose their leaves if it's cold.

Propagation is not easy; it's recommended to acquire new specimens in garden centers, nurseries and plant stores.

Images of the indoor plant Ixora coccinea or Flame of the woods