ixora plant dropping leaves
Then, plant the new stem in well-drained, moist soil. You can cut off the affected leaves if the infestation is in the early stage. In addition, they should be mulched to retain moisture and add organic nutrients to the soil. Soil pH is another factor that influences blooming in Ixora plants. Keep the soil mix moist until new roots develop. Ixora grows well in zones 9 and above in the United States. These plants can only exist in USDA growing zones 9 and above. It thrives even with neglectful caretakers, and its bright colors will surely add a splash of color to any garden! Ixora have some specific growing and nutrition needs. They like to live in moist soil, and so proper drainage is essential when it comes to plants that need moisture! Its generally a nutritional shortage, despite the fact that it sounds like a fungus. If youre looking for a quick-growing plant, Ixora is a good option. These plants make for a wonderful garden specimen because ixora blooms for almost the entire year when growing in tropical locations. Fertilize with a slow-release fertilizer or an organic product if needed in early spring and maybe again in the summer. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/ixora/growing-ixora-shrubs.htm (45-60 cm) 24-36 in. Chlorosis is a disease that causes the infected plants leaves to become yellow. Click on links below to jump to that question. Remove any branches that have been injured by cold weather or that grow in out-of-the-way spots, and cut back the oldest and largest stems a few inches above the ground to minimize the size of the plant without affecting its natural shape. Remove the bottom leaves of the stem, leaving only 2 The Ixora plant is valued for its tufts of colorful blooms. As you can see, the ixora plant is an absolute rockstar when it comes to being self sufficient. Ixoras are not, by any means, a cold hardy plant. If potted, place your plant in a humid part of your house, such as the kitchen or the bathroom. I love plants and have plenty of them in my home. Chlorosis is a common problem for Ixora plants. You may want to stick a PVC tape around your Ixora stem. This article discusses Fire Blight: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/fire-blight-remedies-and-symptoms.htm, Hopefully, this article will help answer questions about your gardenia: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/gardenia/fertilizing-gardenias-in-your-garden.htm. Ixora plants are considered fast growers in an ideal location. While this fungus affects many types of plants, it is most common in roses and gardenias. What can I do Ixoria - Our ixoria is losing all its leaves. Place it in a well-lit area, and it will develop a root system. Four other plants that were planted at the same time https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/fire-blight-remedies-and-symptoms.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/gardenia/fertilizing-gardenias-in-your-garden.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/phosphorus-plant-growth.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/epsom-salt-gardening.htm, Home & Garden Marketplace: Advertiser Info. Various forms of fungus can be found on wet leaves. All Rights Reserved. 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. It is also known as the false oleander or the ixora bush. Beneficial nematodes can be introduced to control weevil infestation. This causes Ixoras iron and manganese levels to drop, resulting in chlorosis. I dare you to find a plant with more ornamental appeal that the ixora shrub. Root Weevils are insect pests that devour the roots of your Ixora. What to do? They have also become naturalized in other tropical and subtropical climates around the world, most commonly in Florida in the United States. The soil needs to be well-drained and free of rocks. A Chicago landscape manager recently asked me, Why is my Ixora plant dying? He was concerned about disease issues and wanted to begin a spraying program. You may want to get rid of aphids as soon as possible. It produces a fantastic display of flowers for any garden. Ixora plants are evergreen. Photosynthesis is the process of taking the suns solar energy and transforming it into chemical energy, which is Sugar or Glucose. It is commonly used as small hedging plant and can be identified by its incredible clusters of bright orange/red flowers that stay in bloom for nearly the entire year. I am a Botanist and passionate about sharing useful information and tips about gardening, waste management, and landscaping. The plant will recover if you care well for it like usual. Though ixora blossoms are known so be slightly deer repelling, they arent completely deer proof. 6" Prayer Plant + Charcoal Planter Basket, Philodendron Bipennifolium - "Horsehead Philodendron", Red Dragon Fruit Fresh Cuttings - 2 Per order, Myrtillocactus Geometrizans Fukurokuryuzinboku', Calamondin Citrus - Calamansi Hardy Citrus - Indoor & Out, Self Variegated Trichocereus Pachanoi "San Pedro Cactus, Variegated Euphorbia trigona, 4 inch pot Tricolor African Milktree, Varigated 1 stem per pot, Welcoming The First Day Of Spring With These Flowers, Spring Cleaning Care Tips For Houseplants. A much easier way to guarantee success is by starting your own plant by snipping your own ixora cuttings. One common treatment is to apply soapy water to the affected areas. Its effortless to care for. They also like to have soil that is slightly acidic on the pH scale. Iron chelate is also beneficial. Chelates is derived from the Greek word chele, which means claw, as in a lobster claw. With glossy, leathery leaves, the Ixora plant is shaped like an oval. In the case that you do not began to see new leaves growing back, the plants may have died off. It produces a fantastic display of flowers for any garden. You can increase Manganese levels in the soil by growing legumes near your Ixora. Ideally, about 5 to 8 hours of bright, direct sunlight per day. With so many different species within the genus (562 to be exact) it is difficult to label the exact growth habit of the plant. Ixora plants are highly coveted as ornamental garden specimens because of their gorgeous clusters of brilliantly colored flower clusters that last nearly the whole year that are contrasted by beautiful evergreen foliage. Wait until the first leaves show after an unseasonal freeze to examine and clip back any frost-damaged limbs. Ixora needs to be placed in a place where it gets indirect sunlight. If you take proper care of the plant, it will recover. The trick is to eliminate the real pest. This plant is quite susceptible to fungal diseases, though they can be entirely avoided if you avoid watering from above and splashing the foliage. Plants with fire blight will have leaves with a red coloring and spots. The Mystery of the Missing Amorphophallus. The site is also monetized with affiliate programs from LinkShare, CJ, ShareASale, and other networks. If you are absolutely convinced that the ixora plant will be the next member of your garden, there are a few ways to introduce one to your property! When the plant is under winter stress, this condition emerges. The plant also requires annual spring fertilization. During the growth season, pinch prune to encourage bushier plants. If you happen to live in a less tan tropical region, it would be best to plant your ixora seedlings in a container or in a pot. Mealybugs are the common pests of Ixora plant. It is native to places like India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, though is also naturalized in Florida. Ixora plants are entirely tolerant of partial shade, though if they are planted in full shade they can start to develop a leggy growth habit. Yellowing of the leaves in Ixora is due to a lack of essential nutrients. However, it prefers partial shade in the hottest regions in its USDA zone. This is more common during the winter months. Honeydew attracts several fungi to transform into sooty mold. I have tried fertilizer and insect spray. Iron and manganese deficits are caused by high pH soils, and symptoms include yellowing leaves, little new growth, and perhaps bud drop. Consider yourself lucky because, in this article, well teach you how to tend to Ixora plants. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/phosphorus-plant-growth.htm Insects and pests can be a huge problem for your plant Ixora. Be sure to drench the soil and then let the excess water drain completely. Most of us feed our ixoras palm fertilizer three or four times a year, about the same time we feed our palms. Also, be sure to trim off any old or diseased roots. This website is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program made to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. What can I do or is this normal for this time of year? If you cant move your Ixora shade the plant artificially. Do you automatically think of a leaf spot fungus when you notice brown spots on Ixora leaves, but in reality, it might be a more prevalent condition? Growing Roses? Leaves are stiff and leathery, with a lovely glossy green sheen to them. $('.ml-subscribe-form-1292910 .row-success').show(); Read also:How to Grow Wildflowers Indoors. Macro-nutrient intake maybe inhibited due to various reasons. How to Protect Your Spring Garden From Pests? Spider mite infestation is not a big deal. Ixora is suitable in the US Zones 9 and above. You may also like: water-loving flowers. Mealybugs are often seen on the leaves in groups. Alternatively, you may enhance the potassium and phosphorus levels in the soil by adding fertilizer. The ideal temperature range for the Maui red Ixora is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. (90-120 cm) Spacing: 18-24 in. Thank you so much for your kind words, I am so happy that I could help, all the best to you. Revolutionizing Waste Management: Bokashi Composting Takes Over Developing Countries. Spider mites are common insect pests of many indoor/garden plants. Make sure this shrub is receiving full sun. Fertilizing maintenance the plant requires. Ixora doesnt bloom when the soil pH is below 5. Lack of nutrients in Treasure Coast soil is a common cause of Ixora dropping leaves. WebWhy are my Ixora leaves turning yellow Yellowing in Ixora. Water in a low phosphorous fertilizer. They can grow rather quickly, and so it is important to do some hard pruning when their growth starts to get unruly. The ixora is one of those almost impossibly beautiful plants that bears incredibly tropical looking flowers with bold and bright colors. If youre not sure if your Ixora is affected with fungus, have it tested. Its ideal to mulch them with a 3 layer of organic mulch, keeping the mulch from bulging around the trunks. Ixora plants also respond very well to liquid fertilizer! Do Camellias Need Ericaceous Soil? Message us now to get you started! If youre growing Ixora indoors, keep it moist by placing its pot on a tray of damp stones. Low temperatures also prevent the absorption of K and P. As a result, the purplish brown markings are more common in the winter. They can grow to be wither a small dwarfed shrub at only 2 feet tall, to a small tree up to 6 feet tall. Ixora plant is grown for its colorful blossoms that come in tufts. However, Ixoras fungus leaf spot illness is not lethal. Yes, you can purchase your Ixora plants here at Plantly! Introduce a high nitrogen fertilizer or acidic fertilizer every few weeks starting in the early spring, and desist after the initial flowering period. This website is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program made to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Sunlight is essential so make sure your Ixora gets half a day of sunlight. WebWater Requirements: Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater Sun Exposure: Sun to Partial Shade Foliage: Evergreen Foliage Color: Orange/Apricot Height: 36-48 in. Here is a link that will refresh you on the care requirements. They can grow rather quickly, and so it is important to do some hard pruning when their growth starts to get unruly. This tropical evergreen shrub is native to southern China and Malaysia. 5 Reasons to Grow Olive Trees in Your Garden. Can ixoras be fine if they only get morning sun? Larval forms feed on the roots while evolved forms feed on the leaves. They are the absolute perfect choice for hedging and mass planting applications. Aphids will cover the leaves with a sooty mold. This usually happens in the winter season. Ideally, they prefer a slightly acidic soil pH level, ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. I planted several around my palm tree in October and now they don't have orange flowers. Chill Out: The Surprising Truth About How Cold is TOO Cold for Compost. Dwarf Ixoria - I have one Taiwan Orange Ixora that has no blooms. Ixora leaves are dark green in hue and contain brilliant flower clusters that bloom all year. To get a soil sample evaluated, take it to your local garden center. Once the seed has germinated, it should then be placed in an area with full sun. The plant is related to gardenia and can even be called its doppelganger. If your Ixora is deficient in macronutrients like potassium and phosphorus, youll see purple dark blotches on the leaves. WebWhen the temperature is warm, the growth rate of the ixora hedge is faster. I live in South Texas and the plants are south facing on a porch in 2-3 gallon planter pots. They are also acid-loving plants. Aphids suck the plant sap out of Ixora via leaves of the plant. CAN'T FIND A FACT SHEET? As indicated by their natural growing regions, ixoras are sun loving plants. Ixora Plant - I have an Ixora in a container and it only has 5/6 spindly branches and doesn't bloom. You can also spray Orthene on the infested parts of your Ixora. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/ixia/growing-ixia-bulbs.htm. These plants are very popular border and hedge plants because of their tidy growth habit that can easily be pruned and trained. This means that they should receive a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Most people think of Chlorophyll as the substance that gives it its green color, but it is much more. Becoming a plant enthusiast and an environmentalist myself gives me the edge of writing about them. This plant is quite susceptible to fungal diseases, though they can be entirely avoided if you avoid watering from above and splashing the foliage. Low pH is the common reason for this. They will very quickly perish if they are submitted to frost or anything close to resembling winter. This species is https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/epsom-salt-gardening.htm. In severe cases, the leaves may fall from the ixora, but the long-term damage is rare. The symptoms of leaf spot disease are sometimes confused with signs of a bacterial pathogen or insect infestation. If the ixora is healthy and vigorous, the plant can tolerate leaf spot disease with no lasting damage. The Ixora plant is a beautiful flowering shrub that comes in many different colors. Simply avoid watering directly on the leaves and this will help with leaf yellowing, sooty mold on foliage and other fungal diseases. Planting and Maintenance Under optimal conditions, Ixora blooms constantly. The flowers are red, pink, or orange and are borne in clusters. Whether you planted them or inherited them, youll quickly discover that Ixoras are not low-maintenance plants; they take a lot of care. Most of these micronutrients are bound by soil, youll need to provide them to the plant in a form that the plant can use. 3. }, As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases., https://gardenofedengardencenter.com/author/admin, How To Attract Pollinators To Your Garden, How To Attract Beneficial Insects To Control Garden Pest, Releasing And Keeping Beneficial Insects In Your Garden, How To Harvest Worm Casting For Your Garden, Starting Your Own Ornamental Pest Control Business, Container Garden-Gardening in small spaces, Garden herbs that contain healing wonders, Water management within the landscape and garden, How To Use Sugar And Vinegar To Preserve Cut Flowers, Slow Release Or Control Release Fertilizer, Hameln Dwarf Fountain Grass Companion Plants, A lack of water or too much water can cause a plants leaves to turn yellow, Yellowing can be caused by disease issues, Plants that suffer from nitrogen deficiencies show signs of pale-green to yellowish-green leaves. Check fallen leaves carefully for telltale signs of infestation. Ixoras are great for wildlife gardens attracting butterflies and bees, the flowers that are sweet and fragrant also attract numerous birds and are deer resistant. Ixia are an excellent plant to grow in pots. Yellowing of the leaves in Ixora is due to a lack of essential nutrients. This is a natural part of the plants life cycle, so dont be alarmed. This is most common in fresh leaves. Plants grown in soil combinations with a pH higher than 7.0 can have dull foliage color. You may either wait for the plant to grow back in the spring or bring it inside before the first frost. In conclusion, When Ixora leaves cant absorb macronutrients like phosphorus and potassium, they become brown. Or you can buy a small space humidifier to keep near your Ixora plant and any other tropical plants you have. If your plants leaves seem yellowish, it may require a high-nitrogen fertilizer or a top layer of acidic mulch, such as pine needles or bark. Or, you can apply Orthene, which is a fungicide that can control the problem. We offer faster transitions online and will deliver the plants without blemish. Here comes the crux of ixora plant care: temperature. 2. Keep Your Greens Crisp and Fresh with Lettuce KeeperTM The Salad Savior! Diffusion of nutrients through water-friendly holes in the cuticle allows nutrients to penetrate the cuticle. 'Musical Note Rotheca microphylla (prev. The plant can grow up to 2 meters high and has small leaves with serrated edges. I use a 12-4-12 palm pro fertilizer in conjunction with a 22-0-16 root drenches every three months and a 12-4-12 foliar spray every three months. Ixora maybe dying due to nutrient deficiency caused by a pH higher than 5. Most of the species and varieties flower very freely in the summer season and rain. Ixora with fungal leaf spot disease that has been irrigated from above. Give the plant some time to recuperate and it will be fine. Chlorosis can be caused by a lack of several nutrients, including iron. Initially small, yellow spots are seen on the infected Ixoras leaves. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! WebIxora can thrive in cold temperatures but extra cold weather can cause them to drop their leaves. If the pH is above this the plant wont blossom. Your website provides such a wonderful treasure trove of gardening tips and so much more. It produces a fantastic display of flowers for any garden. Read on to learn about where they like to grow, how to help them grow, and some other uses you may not have expected! ), What is eating Hydrangeas? Ixora plants are among the most popular flowers in tropical climates like Florida, Hawaii, and South America. Adding Epsom salt with potash(Epsoma Epsom Plus) to the soil increases the Potassium content in the soil. Your plants also may not have a large enough pot to grow in and do not have the correct soil content for good growth. WebIxora'Siam Ribbon' Full Sun Moderate Water Suitable for Bonsai Ornamental Flowers Ornamental Leaves Shrub Explore more topics Name Classifications and Characteristics Biogeography Description and Ethnobotany Landscaping Features Plant Care and Propagation Foliar Non - Foliar and Storage Floral (Angiosperm) Image Repository Others What's New: Doug is a Ph.D. landscape entomologist and certified arborist with 19 years experience with national companies.He has been with the University of Florida | IFAS Extension, Collier County Public Services, as the Commercial Landscape Horticulture Educator in Collier County since 2001. Ixora thrives in full, direct sun for the majority of the day, although it also tolerates moderate shade in the warmest regions in its USDA zone. Here are some basic facts about the plant. These flowering plants bloom all year in tropical places and come in various colors, including white, pink, yellow, red, and orange flowers. If the top soil is dry but it is still moist underneath, it does not need watering. Transform Your Kitchen Scraps into Garden Gold with FCMP Outdoors 2-Tray Worm Composter! While ixora does not require trimming, it may be trimmed at any moment to manage its size or shape. Because they are slow-growing plants, they will take some time to mature into complete ixora hedges. There are many reasons why you should consider planting the Ixora plant. Aphid infestation causes leaf curling and distortion in Ixora plants. Ixora grows best on soils that are acidic, with a pH of approximately 5. Ixora javanica: This plant is homegrown to Java, and features wide shiny leaves and coral-colored flowers. Transform Your Kitchen Scraps into Garden Gold with FCMP Outdoors 2-Tray Worm Composter! Ixora leaves also turn yellow due to Aphid and Spider mite infestations. The Ixora plant is a beautiful flowering shrub that comes in many different colors. WebThe main reasons for Ixora plant dropping leaves are as follows. Get your Ixora tested if you are unsure whether your plant is infected by fungi. Frosty Composting: Can Your Compost Bin Survive Winter. One of the most common questions about Ixora is how to make it grow faster. You can also spritz the plant with water daily to enhance humidity. Ixoras are a genus of flowering plants in the family Rubiaceae and comprises some 562 species. His plant is off-color, has spots, and hasnt bloomed well in a long time. Ixora coccinea is one of the most popularly cultivated of the ixora species, and they are also known under the names of flame of the woods, jungle flame, or pendkuli. I like your tips and how details you explain everything. Read also: Best Fertilizer for Ixora plants. Who said to buy another Ixora plant to increase your collection? Due to overwatering or less watering to plant. Ixora is an evergreen shrub with glossy-green, opposite leaves. Four other plants that were planted at the same time are loaded. You will find Ixora plants in both tropical and subtropical climates worldwide. This is because of its more compact growth habit, as it will only grow to be about 2 feet in height! After that, you can enjoy the fragrant flowers in salads and dishes. Chlorosis is a condition in which the leaves of the affected plant turn yellow. WebIxora Facts. Doing this one or two times with 10 days gap is suggested. It does not harm the plant directly, but it can inhibit photosynthesis by blocking sunlight from reaching the leaves. If youre worried about the nutrient content of your soil, simply incorporate some compost at the beginning of the growing season! Low temperature also inhibits the intake of K and P. This is why the purplish brown spots are seen mainly in the winter season. They are stupidly easy to grow. Ixia prefer to be planting in well draining soil. Ixora is a genus of flowering shrubs and trees with around 500 species. Leaf spot diseases can be caused by various fungi in Ixora plant. Ixora foliage is evergreen, meaning that leaves will persist and remain green all year long, regardless of the season or temperature. They have been planted in the sun since Dec. Ixora can thrive in cold temperatures but extra cold weather can cause them to drop their leaves. Its best to look out for diseases when the plant is still young. Spray Neem oil on the affected parts of the plant to get rid of spider mites. Lack of nutrients in Treasure Coast soil is a common cause ofIxora droppingleaves. Add coffee grounds, sulfur, cotton seed meal or pine straw to the soil to make it acidic. Fungal leaf spot disease in Ixora is not fatal though. Also, pink and white flowers tend to be more cold sensitive. Do not let the soil go bone dry in between the watering sessions. Grow legumes near your Ixora to improve manganese levels in the soil. I do not over water and have tried epsom salt and fertilizer and have added fresh dirt. 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. Its possible that this will cause you to tear your hair out. It is essential to pick a solid looking cutting, as this will be the same genetic material your new plant will have. They are not particularly drought tolerant plants, so water maintenance is essential! To treat the condition, you need to find the source of the problem and solve it. 1. They respond very well to shearing, and it is best to prune in the very early spring before the shortly approaching growing season. Spraying the affected Ixora with insecticidal spray works well too. If you suspect your plant has chlorosis, there are several treatments to try. The thickness of the cuticle appears to be affected by the age of the leaf. Check the moisture level of the soil before watering again. Wet leaves harbor various types of fungi. Ixora is a flowering plant genus in the Rubiaceae family. The dwarf red is the most cold stable, with the pink, white and orange varieties more sensitive. Give the plant some time and itll recover fine. Family: Rubiaceae. Ready to have this outdoor plant in your backyard? Best Ways on How to Get Rid of Bugs on Your Plants, How To Care For Holiday Plants After Holidays, 2 Jack Frost Ligustrum | Carlo`s Plant Farm, Peanut Cactus, Echinopsis chamaecereus, Beautiful healthy well rooted starter plant in 4 inch pot, Large Succulent Plant Echeveria Tippy Pale blue rosette with pointed red tips, White Pineapple White Hawaiian Pineapple Non Acidic Super Sweet From Hawaii, Polka-dot-plant, Hypoestes phyllostachya, Tricolor, red pink and white, very limited, in a 4 inch pot super cute, Bromeliad Jack of Diamonds Neoregelia Ships Free. Try to cover all the hard to reach places. There are many different native growing regions for the ixora family, but the area with the highest concentration of diversity is by far the tropical regions of Asia. (Yes, heres why), Do Turkeys Need a Coop? In severe cases, the affected plant will have leaves that drop off. Ixora plants mostly only flower during the summer months. This is the most common problem with acid-loving plants in which high ph soils or calcareous soils, because the soils contain a high level of calcium carbonate, which binds the micronutrients to the soil, rendering them inaccessible to the plant, even when you fertilize with traditional granular fertilizers because most of the micronutrients become bound to the soil. Ixora Chinensis: This plant is normally called a Chinese Ixora, and is a medium Dwarf red can withstand even the harshest winters, so plant it if you want to avoid this problem. Here are 3 common reasons why an Ixora plant is dying (with solutions): Leaf Spot Disease Your Ixora plant may be showing signs of a disease known as leaf spot Make sure there are at least 2 to 4 drainage holes in the bottom of the clay pot. Frosty Composting: Can Your Compost Bin Survive Winter. Adding coffee grounds, pine straw, cotton seed meal or sulfur to the soil works wonders to raise the pH. Water the plant once a week, or less during the winter, with a deep soaking, and keep the soil moist but not dripping wet. Water your Ixora from the bottom up. Ixora leaves turn brown when they are unable to absorb macro-nutrients like Phosphorous and Potassium. This garden beauty is a tropical-subtropical plant and is used widely in many landscapes and garden designs. They can grow up to a foot in height and spread rapidly. (Heres Why and How to Fix It! I'm Idris Ya'u, a flora enthusiast, the owner, and author of Webgardener. Also don't rule out rodents. Cutting down one branch anywhere you find three at a junction is a smart method for pruning Ixora plants for enhanced business and fullness. FREE delivery Jan 18 - 24 . I have an Ixora in a container and it only has 5/6 spindly branches and doesn't bloom. The color of the flowers is bright orange. Another important thing to remember about ixora plants is that they love love love moisture. When the plant is affected with fungal leaf spot disease, the leaves of Ixora turn brown as well. The nitrogen is also ecologically benign since it contains an 82 percent slow-release nitrogen. The pH of many soils on the Treasure Coast is 7 or above, which is too high for Ixora. The most prevalent cause is a low pH. Another component of ixora watering is watering at the roots. Important note:You can make the perfect potting mix with 60 percent loamy soil, 20% cocopeat, and 10% sand. Additionally, the ixora shrub is susceptible to damage from aphids and spider mites, though this issue is for more annoying than actually detrimental to the plant.