Walking Iris a beautiful and exotic-looking addition to any garden. Its flowers resemble a hybrid of an iris and an orchid.
While they only last a day, they are followed by many flowers that endure long in the spring, summer, and fall. They are well-known as the “Poor Man’s Orchid” due to how easily they grow. Here is a complete guide on how to grow walking iris flowers.
Characteristics of the Walking Iris
- Type: Perennial
- Zone: 8 – 11
- Bloom Time: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Bloom: White with Blue & Brown Markings
- Sun: Full, Partial
- Water: Moist
- Flower: Showy, Fragrant
Overview
Being members of the Iridaceae family, walking iris plants are herbaceous perennials with magnificent blue and white fragrant flowers. They produce tiny, iris-like flowers and long, glossy green leaves. This plant exhibits strange behavior. The seed pods bend toward the ground after the flower fades, creating a new plant. This is how the name “walking iris” came to be.
The flowers of this plant feature three big, white petals and three brilliant blue inner segments. The flowers are fragile and only bloom for one day. The apostle plant got its name because each fan has 12 leaves. These plants are simple to divide and transplant to new areas. Although it is not a native of Florida, walking iris is known as a Florida-Friendly plant. It frequently inhabits USDA Hardiness Zones 8B to 11.
Despite the fact that there are multiple species of this plant, Neomarica Gracilis, Neomarica Caerulea, and Neomarica Northiana are the two most widely used types in gardens. The Giant Apostle’s Iris, also known as Neomarica Caerulea, has broad leaves and purplish-blue blooms that are 3–4 inches wide (7.62 cm). his kind is salt and drought resistant. Neomarica Northiana blooms exclusively in the morning and features white petals with tiger-like stripes.
How to Grow Walking Iris in a Container
For the finest floral show, grow them in pots or hanging baskets. In pots, it is preferable to use a potting mixture rich in humus. Utilize deep containers with a diameter of 8 inches (20 cm) or more. When the topsoil is dry, water the plants that are growing in containers. Every week, the potted plants need balanced water-soluble fertilizer. Every two to three years, you must repot the plant. You can transplant the young plants that are sprouting from the potted plant into another container. The plant should be repotted in the spring.
Walking Iris Care Guide
Light Requirement
Instead of full sun, Neomarica Iris prefers to thrive in bright, indirect sunshine or partial shade. Walking iris may not flourish outside if your landscape is too arid or too far north. Fortunately, it also grows beautifully inside. Keep your plant in a window with good light, but keep it out of direct sunlight. Water it often to prevent browning and drooping of the leaf tips. You may add to your collection as plantlets grow or give them to friends.
Temperature and Humidity
It is preferable to have a room temperature of 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 24 degrees C) and a relative humidity of around 40 to 50 percent. In USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11, it is advised to cultivate it all year.
Water and Fertilizer
Throughout the growth season, water frequently to maintain an equal moisture level in the soil. When it is actively growing, you should water your walking iris daily. Allow the plant become dormant in the winter and just water it once a month. In the winter (December–January), fertilize every two weeks with a liquid fertilizer heavy in phosphorus.
Soil Requirement
For this plant to really flourish, you will need to maintain it in rich soil. Using soil that has some sand in it is an excellent idea. It is advisable to use peat if you wish to cultivate a walking iris plant in a container. Find a potting mix that includes vermiculite, perlite, and sand when shopping for high-quality potting soil. You must use a pot that is at least 8 inches (20 cm) broad and quite deep.
The Propagation of Walking Iris
Propagation by Plantlets
By growing baby plants on the flower stalk, the plant reproduces itself. The tiny plants develop aerial roots that, when they touch the earth, quickly take root. When aerial roots begin to grow, stake the plant and place it on a small pot of damp soil. While still connected to the mother plant, allow it to establish a root system. After the roots have established themselves, cut the plant free while the soil is still damp. Before repotting or transplanting, give it time to establish itself.
Propagation by Division
Plant division is an easy way to multiply walking iris. Rhizomes that develop into thriving clumps provide the plant’s growth. Once the walking iris has finished flowering, dig up the cluster. Divide into parts that are at least 4 inches wide, then quickly replant. After replanting, properly water the area.
Propagation by Seeds
The first or second year of a walking iris is often when it starts to bloom. When flowers are left on the plant, seed will be produced for use in further growth. On the plant, let the pods dry out. Harvest the seed by cracking open the dried pods. Give the seed lots of water and sow it as soon as you can.
Common Iris Problems
Despite what you might expect, given its exquisite appearance, the iris family of flowers takes relatively little upkeep. These resilient, long-lived perennials may thrive in full sun and moderate shade as long as the soil drains correctly. But just because they’re simple to grow doesn’t mean they don’t have their share of issues.
This is the most prevalent and noticeable iris condition owing to the unpleasant smell it produces. You must identify the issue as soon as possible since bacterial soft rot can spread to and kill surrounding plants.
Simply scraping the mushy portion of the rhizome with a sharp knife will cure an infected plant. After that, clean the surface using a 9:1 bleach to water ratio, then sprinkle it with sulfur. Don’t water the plant till the symptoms go away. Planting your iris on soil that drains effectively helps lessen the chance of bacterial soft rot.
Iris transplantation should never be done in damp conditions since this might spread the illness. It’s also crucial to understand that leaf spot does not have a lasting impact on the plant’s rhizome. There is usually a two-year cycle, and while it may negatively affect blooming the following year, the plant should be alright.
There is no denying that this plant produces some of the most magnificent blossoms, with hues ranging from brown to yellow. Make sure your plant receives plenty of water and shady sunshine to promote blossoming. Additionally, a decent fertilizer might aid in promoting growth. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for root rot and avoid overwatering, which can easily kill this plant.
FAQ
The Walking Iris: Is it toxic?
This plant’s whole composition carries some risk of stomach discomfort. With young children and domestic animals, this is especially true. You have to take special care to keep your children and any pets away from this plant.
Where should walking iris be planted?
Choose a location with partial or complete shade since walking iris thrives best in wet soil with adequate drainage and light sun conditions. Also, pick a spot that is open and away from other garden plants since the walking iris requires space to spread out and establish roots in the soil.
How to Report Walking Iris?
The plant is indigenous to various tropical regions and may naturally grow in Florida’s most southern regions. Although it has been found to grow as far north as zone 8 with protection during harsh winters, it is hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 10 and 11. Walking iris does not survive drought conditions and loves moist soils.
Repot in the spring only if the plant becomes overcrowd. It performs well in tiny containers and blooms best when confined to a pot. Use one with drainage holes alone to avoid damp soil. This plant will most likely need to be repotted every two to three years. The new container you give the plant should be a little bigger so that when it grows, the roots won’t become tangled.
Try growing Walking Iris if you’ve never done so. It’s simple to grow it inside, and before long, you’ll have many plantlet “babies” to give to friends.