Ixora Dwarf Yellow Care
Ixora’s are tropical to subtropical evergreen shrubs that produce an abundance of small flowers that forms in clusters, with small green glossy leaves. Although Ixora is grown as a perennial in warm climates it’s viewed and grown as an annual in temperate and colder climates. This plant performs best however in USDA zones 9 and above.
The Ixora is a woody evergreen shrub that attracts butterflies and birds, it’s moderately drought-tolerant as well as salt tolerant. Ixora’s are also said to be “deer resistance” what is worth noting is Ixora is a genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae. What is interesting also is there are more than 400 species making this family one of the largest in the plant kingdom.
These garden beauties can be installed directly into the ground in your garden or container grown and can even be a part of your indoor living space. Below we will be discussing how to grow and care for the Ixora dwarf yellow including how to grow this beautiful plant indoors.
Ixora Planting Location
Ixora’s loves the full sun so installing them in an area that gets lots of sunshine will encourage this garden beauty to produce an abundance of beautiful flower blooms.
Ixora Soil Type
Ixora prefers slightly acidic soil that’s well-drained, adding organics will further condition the soil for Ixora to thrive.
Watering Ixoras
The soil should be evenly moist, don’t allow the soil to dry out completely, or overwater (water-saturated soil) which can lead to leaf and flower drop along with root rot.
Fertilizing Ixoras
A fertilizer that has a good nitrogen source will keep your Ixora growing healthy, fertilizers such as 20-20-20, and blossom booster 10-20-30 are two among many that will work wonders.
Ixora Garden Pests
In dealing with Ixora on many garden projects I have come across these garden insects pests, we will be identifying them and how to bring control.
- Spider mites
- Scales
- Aphids
Spider mites
Spider mites are small insects that can hardly be seen with the naked eye, these garden pests cause damage by sucking the plant’s sap which causes yellow leaves followed by leaf drop. The leaves of garden plants that have a spider mite issue also take on a grey dusty appearance. To know if spider mites are the culprit simply hold a piece of white paper under the stems of the Ixora, and lightly shake the leaves. If spiders are present you will see tiny dots or specks moving around on the paper. Spider web may also be seen, you may also feel them crawling around on your hands, insecticidal soap will bring control, before applying read and follow the manufacturer’s direction for the nest results.
Scales
Scales are sucking insects like spider mites and dose the same damage, scales are tiny and remain motionless on plants but the damage is being done. These insects pest will cause yellowing of the leaves followed by leaf drop. Applying horticultural oil or insecticidal soap will bring control, follow the manufacturer’s label for the best results.
Aphids
Aphids are another uninvited guest that will seek to make a meal out of your Ixora by sucking the sap, these are also sucking insects and dose the same damage as spider mites and scales. The use of horticultural oil or insecticidal soap will bring control, remember to follow the manufacturer’s label for the best results.
Sooty Mold
You may notice that the leaves of your Ixora take on a dusty appearance, this dusty grey-dark color is caused by the secretion of the three insect pests that we discussed. These garden pests secrete a sugary substance called honeydew which causes these molds to form, by controlling these sucking insects will control sooty mold from spreading to new leaf growth. In extreme cases, both the plant’s leaves and the stems are covered with this black mold taking away from the beauty of garden plants.
Ixora Diseases
There is no real threat when it comes to disease concerning this plant other than not overwater that can lead to root rot.
Chlorosis of Ixoras
During the growing season Ixora may show signs of server yellowing of the leaves, this symptom is known as chlorosis. This issue is brought on by a lack of iron. Treating Ixora with chelated iron will offer help, however, it’s best to apply liquid micronutrients to the leaves through spray application. Before application read the manufacturer’s label for the best results.
Growing Ixoras Indoors
When it comes to growing Ixora indoors the same applies as when growing and caring for them outdoors, the soil should be the same as discussed above along with light requirements, in fact, place your Ixora in an area that gets 8-10 hours of sunlight. A south or west-facing window is ideal.
If you discover that the leaves are being burned along with the soil drying out much faster you may want to move your Ixora a little further from direct sunlight. Keep the soil moderately moist don’t allow the soil to dry out because of lack of water or water-saturated because of too much water.
Indoor Ixora Temperature and Humidity
When growing Ixoras indoors pay close attention to the temperature and the humidity, indoor temperatures should be kept above 60 degrees Fahrenheit at all times because Ixoras that are grown indoors thrive best in an environment that is moist and warm. When the cold weather arrives strive to keep indoor temperatures warm as stated earlier.
To create the right amount of humidity you may want to invest in a humidifier, or try misting the leaves every other day with fresh water from a spray bottle. Placing your Ixora in your kitchen or bathroom is a great location for them to get the humidity they need. Cold drafts can have an adverse effect on Ixoras so keep them away from air conditions, windows, and open doorways.
The final word on Ixora Dwarf Yellow
Taking care of the Ixora dwarf yellow is that simple, this beauty will lighten up your garden with its beautiful yellow flower bloom that’s so amazing. What I love about the Ixora dwarf yellow is how it attracts wildlife such as birds and bees along with being deer-resistance. I believe a plant like this is the perfect fit both for your outdoor and indoor living space.
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About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.