Ixora is a genus of evergreen shrubs in the Rubiaceae family. Native to the tropical forests of Asia, it is nicknamed "flaming tropican" because of its vibrant flowers.
In India it is used as a medicine.
Description of Ixora
Height: Up to 2 m. Foliage is entire, glossy, and densely arranged (7.5-15 cm) and ranges from olive to dark green. Red, pink, or white flowers, depending on the species, are borne in whorled inflorescences at the top of the plant (8-20 cm in diameter).
Types of Ixora for indoor cultivation
There are about 400 different types of ixora in nature.
Special hybrids have been developed for the home, the most popular being:
| Variety | Description | Leaves |
Flowers Blooming period |
| Bright red | Height: 1.3 m. The most popular type. | Rounded, pointed, bronze tint. | Small, can be white, pink, yellow, beige. All summer (with proper care). |
| Javanese | 1.2 m. | Oval with sharp ends, glossy. | Flame-colored.
June - August. |
| Crimson | 1 m. | Elongated, rounded, green. | Large, bright red. April - August. |
| Chinese | 1 m. | Darkish pointed. | Pink, yellow, white, and orange-red varieties have been bred.
June - September. |
Caring for a Flame Tropicana at Home
| Factor | Spring/summer | Autumn/Winter |
| Location | Southwest, southeast window. | |
| Lighting | Bright, but not in direct sun. Shade is possible, but will affect flowering. | |
| Temperature | +22…+25 °C. | +14…+16 °C. |
| Humidity | 60%. Place on a tray with damp expanded clay. Spray carefully, avoiding contact with the inflorescences. | |
| Watering | 3 in 7 days. | 1 in 7 days. |
| Soft, settled, add a drop of lemon twice a month. | ||
| Priming | Sour. Peat, turf, leaf soil, sand (1:1:1:1). | |
| Top dressing | Fertilizer for orchids or flowering plants - 2 times a month. | Not used. |
Propagated by cuttings after pruning in spring or autumn.
Young plants are replanted annually, stopping after 6 years, and replacing only the top substrate.
