Why are my leaves turning yellow?

It is likely a sign of iron deficiency caused by soil that is too alkaline.

Does it need full sun?

It blooms best in full sun, ideally with some protection from harsh afternoon sun, but it also tolerates partial shade.

Plant guide

Jungle Geranium.

Ixora

Pronounced ik-SOR-uh kok-SIN-ee-uh

Also known as West Indian Jasmine, ixoras

Ixora coccinea — Photo by Diogo Luiz (CC BY) via iNaturalist

Ixora is a beautiful tropical shrub known for its dense, rounded clusters of vibrant flowers. It loves warm, humid environments and makes a stunning focal point in a garden or as a large potted plant. You will enjoy its evergreen foliage and long blooming season.

Another photo of Jungle Geranium — Photo by zebedeugalinha (CC BY) via iNaturalist

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Shrub
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: 3 to 10 feet
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 9 to 11
Bloom time: Spring to late summer

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy to prevent root issues. Watch for yellowing leaves, which often signal that the soil pH is too high or the plant needs more iron. It thrives best when you provide plenty of humidity and protection from harsh afternoon sun.

Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Feeding: Apply a balanced, acidic fertilizer during the active growing season.
Pruning: Trim back after flowering to encourage a bushier shape and more blooms.
Repotting: Repot in the spring when the roots begin to crowd the container.
Soil: Acidic, well-draining soil
Soil pH: 5.5 to 6.5
Temperature: 15 to 30°C
Humidity: 60 to 90%
Drought tolerance: Low
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 10 to 20 years in ideal conditions.
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water sitting on the surface for too long.
Stunted growth during the active season.

Safety

People: The plant is generally considered non-toxic, but ingestion is not recommended.
Pets: This plant is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.
Children: Keep away from small children to prevent accidental ingestion of leaves or berries.
Contact allergens: The sap can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: There are no significant reports of respiratory allergies associated with this plant.
Edibility: The plant is not intended for consumption and may cause digestive upset if ingested.

How to identify it

Clusters of star shaped flowers
Leathery, glossy dark green leaves
Opposite leaf arrangement on stems
Rounded shrub growth habit

Height: 0.9 to 3m
Spread: 0.6 to 1.8m
Leaves: dark green, glossy, evergreen
Flowers: red, orange, yellow, pink, 1 to 15cm
Fruit: black, purple, Autumn

Problems to watch for

Aphids · Small insects that cluster on new growth and suck sap.
Chlorosis · Yellowing leaves caused by iron deficiency in high pH soil.

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: cuttings, seed
When to plant: spring, early summer
Overwintering: Bring containers indoors before temperatures drop below 15 degrees Celsius. Place in a bright, warm room and reduce watering slightly during the winter months.
In containers: It grows very well in containers, provided the pot has excellent drainage and is at least 30 centimeters wide.

Stem Cuttings

1. Take a 10 centimeter cutting from a healthy stem.
2. Remove the lower leaves.
3. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
4. Plant in a moist, well-draining potting mix.
5. Cover with plastic to maintain high humidity until rooted.

Group plants with similar acidic soil needs to simplify fertilization and maintenance.

Grows well with

Hibiscus · They share similar tropical requirements and provide a beautiful color contrast.
Gardenia · Both plants enjoy acidic soil and high humidity.

Similar species

Pentas · They offer similar star shaped flowers and attract the same pollinators.

Science

Family: Rubiaceae
Genus: Ixora
Order: Gentianales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, especially Asia, Africa, Madagascar and the Pacific islands, with some species in the Americas.
Conservation: Not currently of conservation concern.

It grows as an understory shrub in tropical forests where it relies on high humidity and consistent warmth.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: butterflies, hummingbirds
Uses: ornamental hedge, container plant, tropical garden accent

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 4/9
Light: 7/9
Temperature: 9/9
Moisture: 7/9
Nutrients: 6/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Why are my leaves turning yellow?: It is likely a sign of iron deficiency caused by soil that is too alkaline.
Does it need full sun?: It blooms best in full sun, ideally with some protection from harsh afternoon sun, but it also tolerates partial shade.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Ixora is derived from the Portuguese name for the Hindu deity Ishwara, to whom the flowers were offered.

Good to know

Ixora flowers are used in religious ceremonies in parts of India.
The plant belongs to the same family as coffee.
It thrives in warm, humid climates and dislikes cold drafts.

Keep your jungle geranium growing

This page is a general guide. Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked.

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This guide was generated with AI on October 31, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.