The Walking Iris (Neomarica gracilis or Neomarica northiana) is an attractive, easy-to-grow plant known for its unique propagation method. It produces new plantlets on spent flower stalks, which root where they touch the ground, giving the plant its common name as it appears to “walk” across an area. Propagating this plant is straightforward, making it popular for expanding your collection or sharing with others.
Understanding Walking Iris Propagation
The Walking Iris naturally propagates as new plantlets develop on flower stalks after blooming. As these plantlets grow, their weight bends the stalk, allowing them to touch the soil and root, creating new, independent plants. Beyond this unique self-propagation, mature clumps can also be divided. The optimal time for both propagation methods is generally in spring or early summer, which aligns with the plant’s active growth cycle and helps ensure the successful establishment of new plants.
Propagating Using Plantlets
Propagating Walking Iris using its plantlets is a highly effective method. These plantlets, which form at the tips of flower stalks, are ready for removal once they have developed a few leaves and some aerial roots. You can allow the plantlet to root into the soil while still attached to the mother plant by gently guiding the stalk to the ground. Once the plantlet has established roots in the adjacent soil, it can be carefully severed from the mother plant.
Alternatively, plantlets can be detached from the mother plant before rooting in the ground. Use a sharp, clean pair of scissors or a knife to cut the plantlet from the flower stalk. If the plantlet does not have visible roots, placing the cut end in a small amount of water can encourage root development.
Once roots are present, or if the plantlet already has a good root system, it is ready for potting. Select a small pot with drainage holes and fill it with a well-draining potting mix. Plant the rooted plantlet, ensuring the roots are covered and the base of the plant is just at or slightly below the soil surface. Gently firm the soil around the plantlet.
Propagating Through Division
Dividing a mature Walking Iris clump is an effective way to rejuvenate older plants and create multiple new ones. Carefully dig around the existing plant with a garden fork or spade, gently prying to loosen and lift the root ball.
Remove excess soil to visualize the rhizomes. Identify natural divisions, ensuring each section has several healthy roots and at least four or five leaves. Use a sharp, clean knife or your hands to pull or cut the clump into smaller sections, ensuring each new division has a portion of rhizome and roots.
Discard old or rotting sections. Replant divisions at their previous depth, either directly into the garden or into pots with well-draining potting mix.
Post-Propagation Care
After propagating Walking Iris, whether from plantlets or by division, appropriate care ensures successful establishment. Immediately after planting, water thoroughly. Consistent moisture is important for root development, but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot; keep the soil moist, not saturated.
Place new plants in bright, indirect light. While mature irises tolerate some direct sun, newly propagated plants benefit from protection from harsh sunlight, which can cause stress or scorch leaves. Higher humidity can also aid recovery, especially for plantlets.
Begin fertilizing lightly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer approximately 4-6 weeks after propagation, or once new growth is evident. Monitor for signs of stress, such as wilting or yellowing leaves, and adjust care to support their growth.