Light. Full sun gives the most flowers. It grows in partial shade but blooms less.
Water. Keep the soil moist but well drained. Once established it is moderately drought tolerant.
Soil and feeding. Ixora needs acidic soil. In alkaline soil, especially next to sidewalks and foundations, new leaves yellow from iron and manganese shortages. Plant it away from concrete and treat yellowing with Manganese Sulfate.
Size. Grows to about 6 ft as a hedge or screen. Large ixoras left unpruned can reach 10–15 ft.
Pruning. Prune at any time of year. Constant shearing reduces flowering.
Problems to watch. Black sooty mold means aphids or scale; spray Insecticidal Soap if natural enemies do not clear them. Purplish-red spots on older leaves mean a potassium and phosphorus shortage.
Good to know. 'Super King' is an older cultivar with deep red flowers in large clusters. Frost injures it. It handles salty irrigation water but not direct ocean breezes.
Sources: UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: Ixora · UF/IFAS EDIS FP291: Ixora coccinea
