Captaincookia (Ixora margaretae)

Product description

The bright pink flowers of this species grow on the stem and bloom many at a time. As a result, a large part of the stem can turn completely pink, which looks impressive. The flowers are trumpet-shaped and have protruding stamens. They are pollinated by birds attracted by the nectar. The species is very rare and only found on the main island of New Caledonia. There, it grows in the dry forests, of which only about 2% currently remain. In those forests, it can get very dry for part of the year, so many species occur with leathery leaves. This prevents evaporation, making it easier to endure the dry period. The leathery leaves of this species are quite large and have a yellow central vein. 

Its height in the wild is usually up to about 3 metres, but as a houseplant it stays smaller. It is a slow grower that does well in a bright location without direct sunlight. In addition, make sure it has well-drained soil. 

Sowing description: The already germinated seed can be further grown directly in well-drained soil with organic material. Keep the soil constantly slightly moist and the temperature at about 25 degrees Celsius in the first phase.