Contents
Description
Ixora Coccinea, commonly known as Jungle Geranium, is a tropical plant that belongs to the Rubiaceae family. It is native to Southeast Asia and India but is now widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The plant has glossy, leathery leaves and produces clusters of small, tubular flowers in shades of red, orange, pink, and yellow. Ixora Coccinea is a popular ornamental plant and is often used in landscaping, as well as in religious ceremonies and traditional medicine.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukarya |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Spermatophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Rubiaceae |
| Genus: | Ixora |
Appearance
Ixora Coccinea is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall, although it is usually smaller when grown as an ornamental plant. The plant has dark green, glossy, leathery leaves that are about 3 to 6 inches long and 1 to 2 inches wide. The leaves are arranged in opposite pairs along the stems. The flowers of Ixora Coccinea are small, tubular, and grow in dense, rounded clusters at the ends of the branches. The flowers come in shades of red, orange, pink, and yellow and are about 1 inch in diameter. The plant blooms throughout the year, with the heaviest blooming occurring in the summer and fall.
Care Guide
Ixora Coccinea is a relatively easy plant to care for, but it does require some specific conditions to thrive. Here are some tips for caring for your Ixora Coccinea:
- Water: Ixora Coccinea likes moist soil but is susceptible to root rot, so it’s important not to let the soil become waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
- Fertilization: Feed your Ixora Coccinea every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months.
- Soil: Ixora Coccinea prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Use a soil mix that is specifically formulated for acid-loving plants.
- Sunlight: Ixora Coccinea likes bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much can scorch the leaves.
- Hardiness Zones: Ixora Coccinea is hardy in USDA zones 9b to 11. It can be grown as a houseplant in cooler climates.
Common Pests & Diseases
Ixora Coccinea is generally a hardy plant that is not prone to many pests and diseases. However, here are some common issues to watch out for:
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and fall off. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Scale insects: These pests look like small, raised bumps on the stems and leaves. They can be treated with insecticidal soap or a horticultural oil spray.
- Fungal leaf spot: This disease causes brown spots on the leaves and can be treated with a copper-based fungicide.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by overwatering and can be prevented by ensuring that the soil is well-draining and not waterlogged.
Habitat
Ixora Coccinea is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The plant grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, hillsides, and along riverbanks. It prefers a warm, humid climate and can tolerate some salt spray, making it suitable for coastal areas.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Ixora Coccinea poisonous to humans or pets?
A: No, Ixora Coccinea is not toxic to humans or pets.
Q: Can I grow Ixora Coccinea indoors?
A: Yes, Ixora Coccinea can be grown as a houseplant in cooler climates. It prefers bright, indirect light and moist soil.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Ixora Coccinea?
A: Feed your Ixora Coccinea every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid fertilizing during the winter months.
Q: How do I prune my Ixora Coccinea?
A: Prune your Ixora Coccinea in the early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or diseased branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. You can also shape the plant by pruning back the tips of the branches.
Related Plants
- Ixora Chinensis
- Ixora Javanica
- Ixora Macrothyrsa
- Ixora Pavetta
References
- “Ixora Coccinea.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 21 May 2021. <https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286547>.
- “Ixora Coccinea.” University of Florida IFAS Extension. Accessed 21 May 2021. <https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fp022>.
- “Jungle Geranium.” National Parks Board Singapore. Accessed 21 May 2021. <https://www.nparks.gov.sg/florafaunaweb/flora/4/0/4072>.
