This September, Grow Flame-of-the-Woods in Your Garden

Nursery Today Desk

New Delhi: Flame-of-the-Woods or Jungle Geranium are beautiful large bunches of bright florets. They can be seen in different shades of pink, yellow, orange and red. These flowers have star-like structure and has 4 petals and can grow up to 1-in (2.5 cm) wide. Dozens of flowers bloom together and head pack a lot of sizzling color on this compact shrub.

The scientific name of this flower is Ixora coccinea and it is a flowering plant in the Rubiaceae family. These plants reaches the heights of 4 to 6 feet or more. They display shiny, leathery leaves and masses of blooms that appear throughout most of the year. Here are some tips to take care of this plant.

Soil Requirement           

The flame of the woods thrives in well-drained, acidic soil with a pH level between 5.0 to 5.5. Opt for an acidic, peat moss-based potting mix. Avoid planting near concrete and in cement pot because it can cause increase in the soil pH (Alkaline) and the plant develops chlorosis when installed in alkaline soils. Soil should be kept evenly moist.

Sunlight and Temperature

This plant is native to tropical regions in Southeast Asia and hence needs a warm, humid climate. Plant it in a location where it can receive full sunlight. Keep the soil moist since Ixora plants thrive in humid conditions. Remember, this warm-natured, evergreen shrub doesn’t like the cold. Protect plant from cold blasts from windows, entry ways and A/C vents.

Watering

During the summer, water your flame of the woods frequently and keep the soil moist. In the winter, it’s okay to let the top of the soil dry out before watering. Don’t allow it to dry out too much. Ixora will wilt and not bloom well if the potting mix is dry. Use rainwater, allowing it to warm up to room-temperature because cold water will shock this tropical native. Water less in winter.

Fertilizer

The flame of the woods should get monthly fertilization throughout the growth season to promote blooming. Use a magnesium-containing high nitrogen fertilizer, such as an 8-4-4 (N-P-K) fertilizer. You can come across fertilizer that is designated specifically for palms and Ixora coccinea. To boost nutrients and enhance drainage, compost can also be spread 2-4 times a year around the base of the plant.

Pruning

These flowers bloom on new growth, so pruning is good for the ixora plants. The plant can be trimmed by several inches and you can cut each shoot down to only one bud. So prune ixora after it blooms, and whenever the plant looks untidy. It’s best to prune in late winter or early spring, before the plant puts on new growth.

Propagation

Cut stem tips that are 3 inches (8 cm) long in the spring or summer. Apply hormone rooting powder after dipping the cut end in water. Place the stem in wet potting soil, then compact the soil around the stem to give it support. To keep the humidity constant, wrap the entire pot in plastic. It should take around a month for roots to form.