Re: Neomerica

Ooh! Ooh!  Something I can answer!

Someone just gave me 2 of these last month.  I'm donating one to our MG
houseplant sale, so I looked it up so I could make a culture sheet for it.
Here's what I found:

Walking Iris,   Neomarica

The walking iris, also known as the twelve apostles, grows in grassy clumps.
The plant can grow from 1-5 feet high and wide. A mighty appearance to be
sure. The leaves are flat swords about one inch wide.
The flowers are like miniature iris blooms. They are oh so delicate and cute
and appear as if they are walking way from the plant on their long stems.
Generally, the bloom will appear when the plant is pot-bound or two years in
age. Often in a fast growing situation or a warmer zone, this will happen in
one year. In colder zones, this plant needs to come inside for the winter.
In warmer zones of nine and higher they can be planted in the ground, or if
lucky with a beneficial microclimate the plant may survive in zone 8
The best growing condition is sun to half shade, especially if it is morning
sun. As always, a well-drained soil is required - although the plant can
tolerate a moist situation. I like growing mine in a clay pot.
Propagation is very easy. After each bloom air roots, a small plant will
grow.  When the small plant develops some air roots, it is time to
transplant. Either set the plant in a 4-inch pot of soil still attached to
the mother plant or snip and repot. Both methods work fine. Even water
rooting may work. Keep moist and wait until the plant is pot bound before
moving it up to the next pot size.
Walking iris are very versatile plants. They can be used in borders, beds,
or container plantings. Alternatively, in hanging baskets or as a
houseplant.

Kitty

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "N Sterman" <TalkingPoints@PlantSoup.Com>
To: <medit-plants@ucdavis.edu>
Sent: Wednesday, October 05, 2005 12:44 PM
Subject: Neomerica


> I am growing a wonderful relative of iris called Neomerica - it is a
> very tall (7' so far) strappy plant with deep purple iris-like blooms
> on and off from spring through summer.
>
> I have noticed that once the blooms are gone, the flowering stalks
> develop what look like plantlets at the tips.  Are these really
> plantlets?  And if so, can anyone tell me how to harvest and root them?
>
> And if you've not tried this plant, I highly recommend it!
>
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