Jungle Geranium

ixora coccinea

Also known as: ["Sinningia speciosa","Ixora chinensis"]

Family: Rubiaceae Genus: Ixora Category: Flowers

Overview

A tropical evergreen shrub known for its vibrant clusters of red flowers.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Gentianales
Family: Rubiaceae
Genus: Ixora
Botanical Name: Ixora coccinea

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: indoor or outdoor pot in bright, sheltered area
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Outdoor Landscapers Fragrance Lovers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–35°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
  • Misting: every 2–3 days in dry climates to maintain humidity
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with organic matter and sand.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: After flowering or every 6–8 weeks to maintain shape.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if overgrown.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light or full sun (4–6 hours daily); adjust for intense summer sun.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun; protect from harsh midday rays; place in filtered light indoors.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains in intense sun; avoid shaded corners.

Watering

every 3–5 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid letting the plant dry out completely.

Soil

well-draining, slightly acidic potting mix

pH: 5.5–6.5 (slightly acidic).

Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; top-dress with compost annually.

Temperature

65–85°F (18–29°C); prefers warm, stable conditions; sensitive to cold drafts.

Avoid sudden temperature changes; protect from drafts; maintain stable warmth.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during growing season with balanced liquid fertilizer

Dilute fertilizer to half strength; avoid over-fertilizing; flush soil occasionally.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings in spring/summer.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Apply hormone.
  4. Plant in medium.
  5. Keep moist.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when growth is active.

Environment

High humidity (70–80%), warm (75–85°F), indirect light.

Medium

Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand.

Hormone

Rooting hormone recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots in 4–8 weeks; establish in 3–6 months.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray.

Quick Tips

Use healthy parent stems; maintain humidity with a plastic bag; keep soil consistently moist.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips; cut just above leaf nodes; remove dead or leggy stems.

Pruning Plan

Shape plant, encourage bushiness, and remove spent flowers.

Tools

Clean pruners or scissors, disinfectant.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; prune after flowering; remove dead wood; shape evenly.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring, before active growth begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot (1–2 inches wider in diameter).

Method

Use fresh well-draining soil; trim rootbound roots; ensure drainage holes are clear.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots outgrow the pot; promotes fresh soil and growth.

Checklist

Check root boundness; prepare new pot; use fresh soil; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture distribution to the root zone.

Pro Tip: Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Leaf drop, yellowing, stunted growth, or bud drop.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, causes leaf discoloration, and may lead to root damage.

Solution: Move to a warmer spot; use a space heater; insulate pots in cold weather.

Hot Stress

Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced flowering due to excessive heat.

Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently in hot spells.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check season; use diluted fertilizer; water before feeding; avoid contact with roots.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); reduce in fall/winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Ixora coccinea can indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting the plant's photosynthetic efficiency and overall health.

Wilting in Ixora coccinea is often a sign of water stress, either due to underwatering or root issues, which can lead to reduced nutrient uptake and plant vitality.

Leaf spots on Ixora coccinea are typically caused by fungal or bacterial infections, which can impair photosynthesis and lead to premature leaf drop.

Rotting, particularly root rot, can occur in Ixora coccinea due to overwatering or poor drainage, leading to decay of root systems and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Slightly Toxic

Ixora coccinea berries may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in cats when ingested. The saponins present can lead to digestive discomfort, though severe toxicity is rare.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea depression
🌿 Toxic Parts:
berries
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Keep cats away from the berries. Seek veterinary advice if ingestion occurs or symptoms appear.
Dogs
Slightly Toxic

The berries of Ixora coccinea can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs due to the presence of saponins. Symptoms are typically mild and self-limiting.

⚠️ Symptoms:
vomiting diarrhea lethargy
🌿 Toxic Parts:
berries
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Prevent dogs from ingesting the berries. Contact a veterinarian if symptoms persist.
Humans
Slightly Toxic

Ixora coccinea berries contain small amounts of saponins, which can cause mild gastrointestinal distress if ingested in large quantities. The physiological impact is generally limited to digestive discomfort.

⚠️ Symptoms:
nausea vomiting diarrhea
🌿 Toxic Parts:
berries
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Avoid consuming the berries. Keep away from children and pets.
Important: Keep this plant out of reach of children and pets. If ingestion occurs, contact poison control or veterinary services immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Ixora coccinea toxic to pets?

A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.

Q: How often should I water Ixora coccinea?

A: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring good drainage to prevent root rot.

Q: Does Ixora coccinea require full sun?

A: Yes, it thrives in full sun to partial shade, needing at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Quick Reference
Family: Rubiaceae
Care: moderate
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 3–5 days during active
Suitable For: ["beginners","outdoor landscapers","fragrance lovers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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