Ixora 'Super King'

Ixora 'Super King' requires consistent watering in order to remain lush and full. It should be watered deeply once a week during the summer months and every 10-14 days during the winter. To help keep the soil moist, it should be misted with water on a regular basis. Over-watering should be avoided as it can cause root rot. The top inch of soil should always be allowed to dry out before watering again.

Ixora 'Super King' thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight should be avoided as it can scorch the leaves and fade the blooms. A south-facing window with a curtain draped over it can provide the perfect natural light for this plant. To maximize flowering, it can be placed outdoors on a porch or patio during the spring and summer months. If grown in low light, the plant will often become leggy and may fail to produce blooms.

Ixora 'Super King' prefers mild temperatures between 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit (18-29 degrees Celsius). While it can tolerate cold drafts, it should be brought indoors before temperatures drop below 55 degrees Fahrenheit (12 degrees Celsius) to protect it from frost or freezing.

Ixora 'Super King' prefers moderate to high humidity. To increase the humidity around the plant, a humidity tray filled with water and pebbles can be placed underneath the pot. A humidifier can also be used to keep the air around the plant moist. Periodic misting of the leaves can also be beneficial.

Ixora 'Super King' prefers a well-draining potting soil mixture, as soggy soil can lead to root rot and other problems for the plant. A good quality, fast-draining potting soil should be used with extra sand or perlite added to help the soil drain properly. The soil should also be amended with compost or other organic material to help provide extra nutrients to the plant.

Ixora 'Super King' should be fertilized every two to four weeks during the spring and summer with a general-purpose houseplant fertilizer. The fertilizer should be diluted to half-strength and applied according to the directions on the label. Avoid fertilizing during the fall and winter, as the plant naturally slows its growth. Foliar feeding can also be beneficial, as the leaves will absorb the nutrients directly.

Ixora 'Super King' is susceptible to a variety of different pests, including aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. If these pests are found, they can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil. It is important to follow the product's instructions carefully when using insecticides as some may burn the leaves or plant scalp if applied incorrectly. Pruning off the affected parts of the plant and disposing of them can also help keep pest populations in check.

Ixora 'Super King' typically should be repotted every two to three years. When repotting, an appropriate sized pot should be chosen that is only slightly larger than the current pot. A good quality, fast-draining potting soil should be used, and extra perlite or sand can be added to help the soil drain even better. Care should be taken when repotting to avoid damaging the roots.

Ixora 'Super King' should be pruned in the spring and summer to help encourage bushier growth and promote more flowering. Pruning should be done by cutting back any overgrown stems to just above a pair of healthy leaves. This will stimulate new growth and help the plant become fuller and more compact. If the plant becomes too leggy, it can be pruned down to a few inches above the soil.

This houseplant can benefit from a layer of mulch added to the top of the soil when repotting. This can help the soil retain moisture and provide some protection from extreme temperatures. Organic mulches, such as aged wood chips, can be used to help enrich the soil and provide additional nutrients to the plant.

Ixora 'Super King' can be propagated from both stem cuttings or seed. To propagate from cuttings, select a healthy stem and cut it just below a leaf node. Dip the end of the cutting in rooting hormone and place it in a pot with moistened, well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in bright, indirect light. Once the cutting has developed a good root system, it can be moved to its own pot.

Ixora 'Super King' can benefit from a plant support stake placed in the pot to help support the stems when they become top heavy with blooms. This will help keep the plant from becoming too leggy and promote a bushier appearance.

Ixora 'Super King' typically requires a rest period of about 6-8 weeks during the winter months. During this time, the plant can be moved to a cool spot (55-60°F or 13-16°C) and the watering should be reduced. This rest period will help the plant to conserve energy for more vigorous growth and flowering in the spring.

Ixora 'Super King' can be toxic to pets and humans if ingested. If ingested, immediate medical attention should be sought.