Troubleshooting
Case's Ixora problems — and how to fix them
Case's Ixora (Ixora casei) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Chlorosis due to alkaline water
Like all Ixoras, this species is highly sensitive to pH above 6.5. Alkaline tap water quickly raises soil pH, inducing iron and manganese deficiency. Use acidified or rainwater for irrigation and periodically acidify soil with sulfur.
Leaf drop in cold drafts
Temperatures below 15 °C or sudden cold drafts cause leaf drop and stem dieback. Protect from cold winds and keep above 18 °C. This species is less cold-tolerant than some other Ixoras due to its equatorial island origin.
Mealybugs
White cottony masses in leaf axils and along stems indicate mealybug infestation. Remove manually with alcohol-soaked cotton swabs on small plants; use neem oil or insecticidal soap spray for larger infestations.
Prevent case's ixora problems before they start
Most case's ixora issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for case's ixora in general rather than its problems? Read the full case's ixora care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Case's Ixora problems — FAQ
Why is my case's ixora chlorosis due to alkaline water?
Like all Ixoras, this species is highly sensitive to pH above 6.5. Alkaline tap water quickly raises soil pH, inducing iron and manganese deficiency. Use acidified or rainwater for irrigation and periodically acidify soil with sulfur.
Why is my case's ixora leaf drop in cold drafts?
Temperatures below 15 °C or sudden cold drafts cause leaf drop and stem dieback. Protect from cold winds and keep above 18 °C. This species is less cold-tolerant than some other Ixoras due to its equatorial island origin.
Why is my case's ixora mealybugs?
White cottony masses in leaf axils and along stems indicate mealybug infestation. Remove manually with alcohol-soaked cotton swabs on small plants; use neem oil or insecticidal soap spray for larger infestations.