Neomarica

Family. Iridaceae.

Origin. America.

Description. Neomarica or walking iris - perennial, herbaceous, evergreen plants with thick rhizomes and strap-shaped, basal, dark green leaves from 30 to 150 cm long. The flowers are blue, purple, yellow, light blue or white, short-lived, but appear profusely and replace each other for a long time, very fragrant.

Height. Depending on the species, the height can be 15 - 60 cm.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

These plants require cool conditions. At the beginning of growth, it is desirable that the temperature does not exceed 4 - 7 ° C, during the flowering period - 10 - 18 ° C. During the dormant period, the bulbs are placed in a cool place with a temperature of about 5 ° C.

When blooms 

Blooms in late winter or early spring.

Diseases and pests 

Rotting due to waterlogging and stagnation of water, especially in the cold season.

Pests can be attacked by whiteflies, weevils, thrips, aphids, spider mites and nematodes.

How to care 

An attractive and unpretentious species, widely distributed both in indoor and garden culture. Fading buds should be removed to prolong the flowering period.

Reproduction

At the ends of long leaves, small daughter bushes are formed - they are separated and planted in separate containers. Neomarica can also be propagated by dividing the rhizomes in the summer, immediately after flowering. Seeds are usually sown immediately after ripening, they germinate for a long time - up to 1.5 years, and specimens obtained from seeds bloom at the age of 2 years.

Soil 

Tolerates a wide range of soils, but will prefer well-drained soil, preferably with a slightly acidic pH. Iridaceae tolerate rather poor substrates, but still prefer nutritious soil. Add plenty of perlite or coarse river sand to the soil to improve drainage. 

Lighting

Once new growth begins, place the potted plants in a well-lit area with direct sunlight during the morning and evening hours. It develops well in partial shade, but in such conditions flowering will be less abundant.

Feeding

Feed during the growing season every two weeks with fertilizers high in potassium.

Purpose

An attractive flowering bush that can be used for forcing.

Air humidity

Neomarica tolerates the dry air of heated rooms well, however, to prevent the appearance of pests, it is better to spray it during the growth period. During flowering, droplets of water should not fall on the buds and flowers.

Watering

Water sparingly after planting and before new growth begins. During the growing season, keep the soil evenly moist, but do not allow it to become waterlogged. During the dormant period, watering is reduced to once a month. 

Transfer

Replant in February or March, when the plant outgrows the pot; after replanting, water moderately so that the disturbed roots do not rot. Neomarica blooms better in slightly cramped conditions, so when replanting, do not rush to change the size of the pot. 

Note

Neomarica received its second name “walking iris” because at the ends of its leaves daughter bulbs appear, which, as they mature, become heavier and bend the leaf to the surface of the ground, where they take root.