Among a huge number of beautiful plants there are lilac beauties - irises. One of the most magnificent is considered a neomarik walking flower, which differs from its counterparts in a combination of white and lilac petals. A neomarik, or apostolic flower, can decorate a house or grow in the wild, but you should know the rules for caring and growing this plant.
Origin of name
This plant has several names, each of which was given to it according to different beliefs. The name "walking iris" appeared due to the method of reproduction. The fact is that a beautiful bud of iris blooms for only one day, after which a new bud appears in its place, which becomes heavier and falls to the ground.
After this, the peduncle disappears, and another plant is born next to the parent. In ancient times, people believed that in this way the iris can walk and move on the ground.
Did you know? On the ancient Taj Mahal, which dates back to the XYII century, there is a stone inlaid pattern in the shape of irises.
The second name "apostolic" appeared among Orthodox people. The fact is that flowers on this plant do not appear until it is covered with at least 12 green leaves. The Twelve is the number of the apostles of Jesus, which means the flower was named after them.
Botanical description and flower features
Indoor iris is perennial and blooms quite often. Around the beautiful bud there are many green leaves that form a kind of small grassy cover. So the plant is insulated and less exposed to cold wind and frost, if it grows on the street.
The length of leaf blades may vary depending on the type of plant. In the apostolic iris, their length can reach 160 cm, and the width often varies from 2 to 4 cm. The arrow is flat and almost merges with the rest of the greenery around. The only difference is a small seal in the vertical axis. The diameter of the flower itself reaches an average of 7-10 cm.
Did you know? The symbol of the Virgin Mary in Christianity is a delicate iris. It is believed that he personifies her sadness, purity and purity.
As mentioned earlier, the main feature of this plant is that the flower multiplies by releasing a long ray with a baby, which under its weight falls into the ground and takes root. Another feature of this type is the color. Often the neomarika has large white petals that combine with delicate lilac and smaller ones. Closer to the middle, all leaves of the flower have a brownish color.
Popular types of neomariki
In the genus there are more than 15 species of irises, each of which received characteristic differences. The most frequent in Russia are neomarica slender and northern. The first species has rather large flowers and is characterized by a fan-shaped arrangement of foliage. Their length can reach 60 cm and a width of 5–7 cm.
The leaves of the second plant can reach as much as 90 cm and have a more juicy green hue. In addition, the northern neomarika has a pronounced delicate aroma, which not every iris can boast.
Care rules and growing conditions
In order for the home iris to grow beautiful and bright, you must follow a certain list of rules. The rules apply to watering, reproduction and dressing a flower. In addition, it is necessary to maintain a certain temperature regime.
Lighting
This kind of iris loves sunlight very much and always strives for it. Therefore, when growing neomariki need good lighting with diffused light. Direct sunlight in the morning should not fall on it, otherwise the leaves will be burned.
Important! Particularly careful should be in the summer. Direct sunlight on the foliage can ruin the plant and it will dry out.
Air temperature
The flower is finicky to temperature. In summer, it is comfortable to be warm, but in winter, a battery or heater will be unnecessary. In winter, you should lower the temperature to +8 ... + 10 ° C and maintain it, otherwise the flowers will not bloom.
Watering frequency
Iris is very fond of water, especially in summer. In the hot period, the flower must be watered 5-7 times a week so that the soil does not dry out. Only the upper part should dry. In winter, the frequency of irrigation is smoothly reduced to 4 times.
Plant nutrition
The plant is unpretentious to the content of minerals in the soil, since in the wild it grows on poor soils. However, fertilizer and nutrition are an important element of care. Fertilizing the soil is required only during the period of the most intensive flowering, only 2 times a month.
Cropping and shaping a flower
Trimming should only be done if necessary. Such a need arises when the plant has dried leaves or peduncles. Mandatory is the cutting of children, if the goal is to obtain beautiful flowers.
Buds that grow for reproduction will interfere with the full formation of flowers, which is why their size can gradually decrease.
Important! It is imperative to trim only in the fall to prepare them for the winter period. Such treatment should be carried out in the month of October.
Plant propagation
There is no difficulty in reproducing irises due to the presence of children who grow on them. However, there are several rules here. To do this, the baby is pressed to the ground in a new pot, after which it takes root in new soil for 2-3 weeks. After the plant has begun, the fruiting can be removed.
Iris is quite simple in terms of breeding and care, but still requires attention. In order to achieve the appearance of beautiful flowers, one should take into account all the features described above.
