The Ixora plant, also known as Jungle flame and flame of the woods, got these interesting names from its brightly hued and large flowers. Ixora is an evergreen shrub that is often grown as an annual in temperate to cool climates. This Singapore flower is seen planted in urban streetscapes and gardens for ornamental purposes. It is also the sixth favourite flower in Singapore for butterflies to collect their nectar from.
About Ixora Plant
As an evergreen shrub, it grows to the height of 3 meters, featuring light green glossy leaves. The foliage is leathery in texture, stiff and oval. This plant produces extremely beautiful flowers that bloom as clusters of four-petal florets. These stunning flowers in Singapore last for about four to six weeks. When you stroll through the streets of Singapore, you will be mesmerised by the vibrant colours of the flowers such as yellow, pink, orange and red.
How to Care for an Ixora Shrub?
As surprising as it may seem, the Ixora plant barely needs any care. It is a low-maintenance plant that is happiest when left on its own. However, take note of these few following pointers to ensure your indoor plant or outdoor shrub continues to thrive.
- If your plant is potted, make sure to re-pot it every two to three years
- During winters, bring your plant inside before the frost damages it, as they are very tender plants.
- Avoid wetting the foliage as it can lead to fungal diseases, so water at the root zone only.
- To get rid of spider mites and aphids use an insecticidal oil spray.
- To prevent weeds, use a two-three inch layer of mulch. This will also enhance water retention.
- Prune the shrub during the spring for better results.
How to Grow an Ixora?
The Ixora shrub blooms one of the most gorgeous flowers in Singapore as innumerable butterflies hover around it to suck out the sweet nectar. Despite the ornate looks, the Ixora is not difficult to grow.
Sun- The plant grows best when provided with direct sunlight for six to eight hours a day. Luckily, Singapore has brilliant weather and sunlight to help this plant flourish.
Soil- The crucial requirements for successfully growing this plant is having well-drained soil. Also, a moderate to slightly acidic pH level should be maintained. If you plant it in alkaline soil, it will develop chlorosis.
Propagation- If the plant starts to grow in a disorderly fashion, prune it while maintaining evenly moist soil. The ideal way to propagate an Ixora is via stem cuttings which can be rooted with the help of a rooting hormone.
- The rooting hormone increases the chance of a successful plant by manifolds. It also develops at a much faster pace and is of high quality.
Water- Ensure you water the plant every six to eight days at room temperature (no cold water). Do not overwater your plant, however, make sure the soil is not dry either in summers and winters.
As one of the most alluring Singapore flowers, the Ixora plant is home to a variety of butterflies. A large number of parks, natureways and gardens are cultivated with the Ixora plant. So, the next time you go for a walk in the Gardens by the Bay or Peirce Reservoir Park, take a closer look at these brightly blooming flowers in Singapore.
Gurnika Talwar is FNP’s marketing and creative content writer and has been with the firm since 2020. She is based in Delhi, India and has been in this field for 2+ years.
She started her journey as a freshman but since then has created content on several mediums. With blogging on gift ideas, food, gardening tips and whatnot as her primary goal, she has also curated content for social media and brand films. As a storyteller, she creates original, genuine, and relatable content to connect with the mass. Besides work, you’ll find her chit-chatting about movies or making sarcastic jokes.
As an evergreen shrub, it grows to the height of 3 meters, featuring light green glossy leaves. The foliage is leathery in texture, stiff and oval. This plant produces extremely beautiful flowers that bloom as clusters of four-petal florets. These stunning flowers in Singapore last for about four to six weeks. When you stroll through the streets of Singapore, you will be mesmerised by the vibrant colours of the flowers such as yellow, pink, orange and red.
How to Care for an Ixora Shrub?
As surprising as it may seem, the Ixora plant barely needs any care. It is a low-maintenance plant that is happiest when left on its own. However, take note of these few following pointers to ensure your indoor plant or outdoor shrub continues to thrive.
- If your plant is potted, make sure to re-pot it every two to three years
- During winters, bring your plant inside before the frost damages it, as they are very tender plants.
- Avoid wetting the foliage as it can lead to fungal diseases, so water at the root zone only.
- To get rid of spider mites and aphids use an insecticidal oil spray.
- To prevent weeds, use a two-three inch layer of mulch. This will also enhance water retention.
- Prune the shrub during the spring for better results.
How to Grow an Ixora?
The Ixora shrub blooms one of the most gorgeous flowers in Singapore as innumerable butterflies hover around it to suck out the sweet nectar. Despite the ornate looks, the Ixora is not difficult to grow.
Sun- The plant grows best when provided with direct sunlight for six to eight hours a day. Luckily, Singapore has brilliant weather and sunlight to help this plant flourish.
Soil- The crucial requirements for successfully growing this plant is having well-drained soil. Also, a moderate to slightly acidic pH level should be maintained. If you plant it in alkaline soil, it will develop chlorosis.
Propagation- If the plant starts to grow in a disorderly fashion, prune it while maintaining evenly moist soil. The ideal way to propagate an Ixora is via stem cuttings which can be rooted with the help of a rooting hormone.
- The rooting hormone increases the chance of a successful plant by manifolds. It also develops at a much faster pace and is of high quality.
Water- Ensure you water the plant every six to eight days at room temperature (no cold water). Do not overwater your plant, however, make sure the soil is not dry either in summers and winters.
As one of the most alluring Singapore flowers, the Ixora plant is home to a variety of butterflies. A large number of parks, natureways and gardens are cultivated with the Ixora plant. So, the next time you go for a walk in the Gardens by the Bay or Peirce Reservoir Park, take a closer look at these brightly blooming flowers in Singapore. 
