• The Ixora plant is also called the flame of the wood or jungle geranium, and it is scientifically known as Ixora coccinea.
• This plant is a broadleaf evergreen that flowers throughout the year in tropical to subtropical climates.
• They have around 562 species.
• The plant generally blooms red flowers attracting birds and butterflies.
• It is a low-maintenance plant that grows in moist and acidic soil conditions and 

requires total sun exposure.

What is so special about Ixora?

• The Ixora plant blooms in a corymb shape formed by small florets.
• We can find a variety of this plant blooming in yellow, orange, pink, and white colors.
• It is a non-toxic plant hence completely safe in a household environment.
• In the Ayurveda, the flower, stem, roots, and leaves are used as a juice to treat ulcers, hiccups, fever, loss of appetite, and dysentery.

Caring for Ixora Plant

• The Ixora plant usually grows up to 2m and is generally used in hedges of the garden.
• However, this plant can be kept and grown indoors with some care. 
• We should select the pot for the plant according to the size. There should be enough room for the roots to grow.

• Large Ixora plants should be potted in coarse soil with a large pot.
• They can grow very well with a regular water supply and some liquid fertilizers.                                                    
• These plants can grow in a wide range of temperatures, but they flourish the best from 18 degrees celsius to 23 degrees celsius. 
• They are naturally resistant to pests and flies.
• It can be pruned annually to keep the plant in shape. Moreover, the yellowing of leaves can be avoided by keeping them in an acidic soil condition.

Growing a Stem Cutting of Ixora:

• To grow a stem cutting first, we make the potting mix using coco peat, soil, and some cow dung if available.
• Then the first layer of the potting mix is layered in the pot.
• Then a cutting of at least 4-inch long stem should be used ( for faster rooting, dip the stem cutting in drumstick juice for an hour).
• Then the stem cutting is planted in the pot. After two weeks, the roots start appearing, and it would require moderate watering till leaves sprout up.

Pharmacological Studies on Ixora:

• Scientists have used this plant for ethnomedicinal uses.
• The pharmacological studies of Ixora show that it has antioxidative, antineoplastic, antinociceptive, antidiarrhoeal, antimutagenic, antibacterial, hepatoprotective, chemopreventive, and gastroprotective activities.
• Chemically the plant consists of anthocyanin, quercetin, glycosides, sitosterol, oleanolic acid, lupeol, and ursolic acid.

Current Research on Ixora:

• Recent research on Ixora has been on its antimicrobial properties and quantifying phenolic compounds in the plant.
• Ixora plant has also been used to compare the antifungal property with biosynthesized silver nanoparticles.
• Some comparative evaluation has also been done on the anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties of Ixora.
• Bimetallic nanoparticles are being synthesized from Ixora.

Conclusion

Ixora is an awe-inspiring small house plant. It brightens up the corner where it is placed with its blooming corymb. It has many medicinal uses and provides an aesthetic look for indoors or kitchen gardens. It can be easily found in southern India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and mostly all over the internet. 

Moreover, the present research conducted on Ixora coccinea has shown its pharmacological properties being used by scientists and botanists. It truly is a plant that keeps you happy and safe.

-By Anushka Ash

Content Writer (Erakina By RTMN)

17/12/2021