OT: Re: walking iris (Long)

> 
> A friend has just given me a potted "walking iris" with about 8 fans, of
> which one apparently is sending up a bloomstalk. Could someone please
> advise me how to care for it? Also, what is the species name? I have
> checked the Archives, but the search "walking iris" and simply "walking"
> get a response of "Limit your search."

> Griff Crump, along the tidal Potomac near Mount Vernon, VA 

Griff,
     I am certain that the plant you now have is a Neomarica.  Once it
blooms, tell us what color it is, because there is more than one species of
Neomarica.  You may wish to check out the picture at the cyber cork board
at:  http://www.rt66.com/~telp/cork.htm   
     To search the archives, you might wish to use Neomarica.
     As to culture of the plant, here it goes here, since I know there are
other new owners of this plant.  Put it in the sunniest room you have, as
close to the window as possible.  Water the plant thoroughly when the
surface of the potting soil feels dry.  After bloom, feed with Miracid or
something similar, such as K-Acid from K-Mart.  Feed again once a month
through the summer until September, then feed again about Thanksgiving. 
You might not want to fertilize until after the bloom opens, then give it a
half-strength feeding.  
     Each bloom lasts only one day, but others will follow on the same
stem.  Then, in a couple of weeks, new plants will form on that stem in a
manner similar to that of a Spider Plant.  
     Even though it appears that Neomarica can take some frost, I would not
recommend leaving a potted one out when frost is expected.  In all
climates, the potted Walking Irises can be set outside during the part of
the year when there is no frost.  It should be protected from the mid-day
sun except in the far north or in Maritime climates.  
     Here in Florida, I have my potted Neomaricas outside except when
sub-freezing weather is excpected.  
     There is a Yellow Walking Iris (Trimezia) which appears to be hardier
than Neomarica.  In USDA Zone 8b and warmer, it can be raised in the
garden.  North of this, treat as Neomarica.

Mark A. Cook
billc@atlantic.net
Dunnellon, FL.
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