Plant Care Guide

Maui Ixora

Ixora coccinea ‘Maui’

The Maui Ixora is a compact, tropical shrub prized for its nearly year-round blooms and vibrant clusters of red flowers. Loved for its glossy evergreen foliage and long-lasting flower heads (each lasting 6–8 weeks), this variety is also known for being slightly more cold tolerant than other Ixora types. Perfect for warm climates, bright patios, or sunny indoor spaces, this shrub shines when given consistent moisture, acidity, and lots of light.

Watering Requirements

Maui Ixora likes to stay consistently moist, and does not tolerate prolonged dryness. 

Watering Schedule 

  • Keep soil evenly moist 
  • Water often, never allow soil to fully dry out 
  • Reduce watering slightly in winter 
  • Outdoors, rainfall is often enough once established 

Signs of Underwatering 

  • Drooping leaves 
  • Crispy leaf edges 
  • Slow growth or bud drop 

Signs of Overwatering 

  • Limp, yellowing leaves 
  • Mushy stems 
  • Persistent soggy soil 

Pro Tips

Ixora hates “quick dry-outs.” If you're a forgetful waterer, this plant will keep you accountable. Use a moisture meter or set watering reminders to keep blooms coming.

Light Requirements

Light is the #1 factor in how well Maui Ixora blooms. 

Ideal Light Conditions 

  • Full sun for maximum flower production 
  • Tolerates partial shade, but with fewer blooms 
  • Indoors: at least 8–10 hours of bright light daily 
  • Protect from scorching midday summer sun if indoors 

Too Little Light 

  • Sparse blooms or none at all 
  • Stretching / leggy growth 
  • Duller foliage 

Too Much Light 

  • Leaf scorch if exposed to harsh, direct indoor rays 
  • Drying between waterings too quickly 

Pro Tips

If blooms slow down indoors, move your ixora under a grow light. It dramatically increases flower production.

Soil & Potting

Ixora is very particular about soil pH. 

Best Soil Conditions 

  • Moist, well-draining soil 
  • Rich in organic matter 
  • Acidic pH 5.5–6.5 
  • Avoid alkaline soil, leads to yellowing and dark leaf spots 

Potting Notes 

  • Use a peat-based mix with perlite for drainage 
  • Choose containers with excellent drainage 
  • Avoid planting next to concrete (alkaline leaching) 

Pro Tips

If you notice purplish-red spotting, your soil pH islikely rising. Apply a chel micronutrient spray or acidify the soil to restore color and health.

Fertilizing

Maui Ixora needs proper nutrients for continuous flowering. 

Feeding Schedule 

  • Fertilize in spring with a slow-release acidic fertilizer 
  • OR feed lightly every 2–3 weeks with an acid-loving liquid fertilizer 
  • Do not fertilize in winter 

Pro Tips

Ixora responds best to acidic fertilizers (similar to azalea/gardenia blends). Using these will boost both foliage color and bloom production.

Pruning & Maintenance

Prune lightly to maintain shape and encourage blooms. 

Pruning Tips 

  • Prune after a bloom cycle 
  • Deadhead old clusters to encourage new ones 
  • Avoid heavy shearing, reduces flowering 

Pro Tips

Flowers form on new growth. Light trimming between bloom cycles increases both quantity and frequency of blooms.

Common Problems & Solutions

Leaves Yellowing or Developing Dark Spots 

Cause: Soil too alkaline; micronutrient deficiency (iron, manganese) 

Fix: Acidify soil + apply chelated micronutrient foliar spray 

Leaf Drop Indoors 

Cause: Drafts, cold air, sudden relocation 

Fix: Keep in a stable, warm, bright location 

Poor Flowering 

Cause: Too little light 

Fix: Full sun outdoors or strong grow light indoors 

Sooty Mold 

Cause: Sap-sucking pests (scale, aphids, mealybugs) 

Fix: Treat pests with insecticidal soap; improve airflow 

Pro Tips

Most Ixora issues trace back to soil pH. If your plant looks dull, spotted, or slow, check pH first.