The Ixora is a shrubby plant known for its lovely inflorescences. It is a genus in the Rubiaceae family that is endemic to Asian nations. They are usually not taller than 3 meters, with inflorescences that vary in color according on the species, and can be pink, red, or yellow, among other colors. In this article, we’ll look at how and when to fertilize Ixora plants, as well as what varieties to use and how to care for them properly.
When is the best time to fertilize Ixora plants and what to use?
Your plants should have enough fertilizer for late autumn and winter if they came green and healthy for planting. Begin the first feeding in March and repeat the process in May, August, and early October. Because summer feedings are restricted in some counties, you may have to forgo the August application.
If your soil has the right acidity, you may use any generic, slow-release landscape fertilizer with modest nutrients; otherwise, you’ll require an ixora-specific product. Plants of the genus Ixora prefer a slightly acidic soil pH of 5.5 to 6.5. Soils with a pH greater than 7.0 are overly alkaline and result in poor leaf color.
To get a soil sample evaluated, take it to your local garden center. To produce the optimal circumstances for ixora, treat the soil as directed if necessary. With plants growing in alkaline soils that are difficult to modify, you may need to use a modest nutritional supplement.
The best fertilizer for Ixora plant
Depending on whatever gardener you visit, you might get a variety of fertilizer advice for your Ixora. We will ease the chore of determining which fertilizer is the best in this post by proposing simply a few options.
We’ll separate the fertilizers into commercial and home-made varieties. Commercial ones are often easier to use, but handmade ones are occasionally more helpful and, of course, less expensive.
Commercial fertilizer
The major advantage of commercial fertilizers is that we know exactly how much of each nutrient we’re supplying when we use them. Making the process a lot more manageable. You can improve the fertilization of your Ixoras even more if you do a soil analysis.
As previously noted, these plants require acidic soil to grow. As a result, you’ll require a subscription that takes this into consideration. In general, a commercial fertilizer mix of 30-10-10 is an excellent choice. Because Ixoras are not widely cultivated, you can ask the nursery vendor for fertilizer for gardenias or azaleas. These plants have fertilizer needs that are quite similar to Ixoras.
As you may recall (from section 2), the 30-10-10 proportions suggest a larger nitrogen content than potassium and phosphorus. But, in addition to these three nutrients, your Ixora need other microelements such as iron, manganese, copper, zinc, and others. They’ll all aid in the growth of leaves and blossoms.
You should be aware that the majority of commercial fertilizers include inorganic compounds. As a result, if you want to undertake ecological gardening, DIY organic fertilizers are the way to go.
Read also: Why are my Ixora leaves turning brown?
Homemade fertilizer
There are a variety of DIY fertilizers that may be used in an Ixora, some of which are more useful than others. Next, I’ll mention three that are particularly noteworthy since, in addition to delivering nutrients, they also assist to reduce soil acidity.
Coffee-based fertilizer: One of the greatest fertilizers for Ixoras is the usage of coffee leftovers. Spread the trash around the plant’s base and give it plenty of water. Coffee’s acid, in addition to being a good source of nitrogen, lowers the pH of the surrounding soils, promoting plant roots.
Compost Tea: Making compost tea is a relatively simple process. In a cloth bag, place 1 cup of decomposed manure or old compost. After that, close the bag and place it in a gallon of water. Allow three days for steeping, then remove the bag and apply the tea straight to the ground.
Vinegar-based fertilizer: For every gallon of water, add one tablespoon of white vinegar. Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and apply to your plants. It is highly beneficial to raise the acidity of the soil, which is very important for plants like Ixoras.
Compost and manure are two more common household fertilizers that are both popular and beneficial. In both circumstances, it is critical that they be properly fermented at the time of application; otherwise, your plants may suffer.
How and when to fertilize ixora plants
The first thing to remember about fertilizing Ixoras is that you must do so mindfully. You should not fertilize with any fertilizer you can get your hands on, at any time of year. Consider factors such as the fact that it requires acidic soils and that its development occurs in the spring and summer.
Fertilize the plant from spring through late summer, then let it rest in the fall and winter. You can use a liquid fertilizer with a 30-10-10 ratio and a good watering every two to three weeks. Although you should always read and follow the fertilizer’s directions, it is normally recommended to dilute the dosage significantly compared to those guidelines.
When transplanting your Ixora, it’s best to do it in organic-rich soil. This not only ensures a steady supply of nutrients, but it also improves soil drainage. Add 1/3 compost or well-fermented manure to the soil to produce the mixture.
If you observe that the leaves of this shrub are becoming yellow, it might be due to a lack of nutrients like iron and magnesium. Keep an eye on the health of your leaves on a regular basis.
Finally, I can advocate the use of foliar fertilizer. This is typically one of the most effective methods for promoting Ixora abortion and blooming.