Care of the rhizomatous plant Neomarica gracilis or Walking iris |
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The genus Neomarica, family Iridaceae, comprises 16 species of rhizomatous plants native to Mexico and Central and South America. Some species are: Neomarica gracilis, Neomarica longifolia, Neomarica northiana, Neomarica caerulea, Neomarica variegata, Neomarica nitida. Common names: Walking iris, Apostle plant. This species is native from Mexico and Costa Rica south to Brazil. They are perennial herbaceous rhizomatous plants that reach 50 cm (19.68") in height. The leaves are sword-shaped (similar to Iris leaves) and are dark green in color. The attractive lightly scented flowers last only one day but do not stop blooming during the month of spring bloom. The flowers have white outer petals with brown spots in the center and blue inner petals with yellow and brown tones. At the tip of the inflorescence, a seedling appears that, after growing, warps until it falls to the ground where it can root and spread. They are used in pots, as indoor and greenhouse plants, next to ponds, on rockeries and in undergrowth. Neomarica gracilis grows in shady or semi-shady exposures and in hot, humid climates. They do not resist the cold below 10 ºC (50 ºF). They are easy to grow plants that prefer a sandy soil that contains a lot of peat and a little organic matter. Water regularly, without flooding, so that the substrate does not dry out completely. It's important that the ambient humidity is high; place a plate with damp pebbles under the pot, especially indoors. Fertilize with compost in late winter and slow-release mineral fertilizer in early spring. They are quite resistant to pests and diseases; sometimes the leaves can be eaten by snails and slugs. They are easily propagated by division of the plant or rhizome and from seeds sown in spring. |
Images of the rhizomatous plant Neomarica gracilis or Walking iris |
 Neomarica gracilis  Neomarica gracilis |