The common name " walking iris " is often used to refer to two distinguishable types of plant life in the Iridaceae , or iris , crime syndicate that propagate by plantlets that word form at the top of the flower stalk . These plantlets may root on their own , or they may be removed from the parent and replanted .

Walking iris plant may begrown outdoorsor indoors . They are considered a character of " pass on - along " plant , because they are often share by home gardener instead of being purchased commercially .

Types of Walking Iris

Two dissimilar eccentric of irises are known as " walking sword lily , " although some plant scientist meld all of these plants into the same genus . The flowers of the walking iris are unretentive lived , endure only for a day , but these plants flower repeatedly from natural spring to fall .

Walking irises are perennial that are native to Central America and South America . These plants are sometimes referred to as apostle plants because of an unproven theory that these plant do not produce flowers until 12 leafage have developed . They are also known as fan sword lily and pitiable valet ’s orchids .

Neomarica Species

Some walking irises are in the genusNeomarica . Not all specie in this genus are deliberate walk iris diaphragm because their stem do not bend over .

Those that are consider walking irises includeNeomarica gracilisandNeomarica longifolia , which are hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 8 to 11.Neomarica gracilishas blanched flowers with blue and brown marking , whileNeomarica longifoliahas chickenhearted flowers and mahogany - colored marking .

Trizemia Species

" Walking flag " can also refer toTrimezia martinicensis , a species that has yellow flowers and is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture flora hardiness zones 10 and 11 . Outside of its hardiness reach , Trimezia martinicensiscan be spring up in container and overwintered indoors .

Walking Iris Propagation

walk iris diaphragm plant develop new plantlet at the top of the flower still hunt . Toward the end of the growing season , the flower stems bend toward the ground , which allows the plantlets to root and form fresh plant . * * This process is reprise yearly , which results in the flora moving through the landscape , hence the " walk " cognomen . * *

Walking irises also spread out by clunking rhizomes that can be part to create new works .

Tip

Walking iris plant can be propagate by the plantlets that grow atop the efflorescence stalks or by dividing the rootstock root .

If you are growing walk iris indoors in containers , you may snip off the efflorescence prow when it begins to bend and allow it to root in a slew of moist soil .

Walking Iris Care

Walking iris plants work well inshade gardensin clusters as well as along walk way of life . They wish moist dirt , particularly during periods of dry weather , but they can adapt to a miscellanea of territory precondition .

Indoors , walking iris should be prevent in a brilliant emplacement . However , * * as spectre - jazz flora , they should not get direct sunlight . * * In containers , take the air iris plant require frequent watering to prevent the peak of the foliage from dry out .

References

A white, indigo and gold flower of a walking iris (Neomarica gracilis) popping up toward the sky.