Neomarica belongs to the Iris family, a herb that grows naturally in the rainforests of South America. Another name is "walking iris". It was obtained thanks to one feature of this plant: during flowering neomarica throws out a peduncle about 1.5 m long. After flowering, a baby appears at the end of the peduncle, which grows and increases in size. Ultimately, the peduncle under the weight of the appendix bends to the ground. The shoot will take root over time and begin to grow on its own at a distance from the main adult plant. Hence the name - "walking iris".
Description of neomariki
Neomarica belongs to one of the representatives of herbaceous plants. The leaves are long, xiphoid, leathery, the width is about 5-6 cm, the length is from 0.5 m to 1.5 m. The peduncle develops directly on the leaf. Each peduncle has 3-5 flowers, which delight with their beauty for just a couple of days. Flowers with a wonderful, memorable aroma reach 5 cm in diameter, milky in color, there are veins of pale blue in the throat. At the end of the flowering period, instead of flowers, offshoots appear, which in the future will become independent plants.
Caring for neomarika at home
Location and lighting
Growing neomariki requires good lighting with diffused light, but a small amount of unscattered sunlight is allowed in the morning and evening. In summer, during the period of maximum solar activity from 11 am to 4 pm, you need to protect the plant from rays, otherwise burns may appear on the leaves. In winter, daylight hours can be extended with the help of artificial lighting, you do not need to shade from direct sunlight, the leaves will not get burned in winter.
Temperature
In summer, neomarica will grow well at normal room temperature. In winter, for abundant flowering, you need to reduce both the air temperature in the room to about 8-10 degrees, and watering.
Air humidity
Neomarica grows well and develops in a room with an average level of humidity. In summer, the leaves should be sprayed with water at room temperature. In winter, at high indoor temperatures, as well as in the presence of heating devices, the plant must be sprayed. You can also arrange a warm shower for the flower.
Watering
On hot summer days, neomarika needs abundant watering. Since autumn, watering is gradually reduced, and in winter it should be extremely moderate.
The soil
The optimal composition of the soil for growing neomariki can be prepared independently from turf, peat and sand in a ratio of 2: 1: 1. Alternatively, you can simply buy specially prepared soil for planting at a regular flower shop. Be sure to put a good layer of drainage on the bottom of the pot.
Top dressing and fertilizers
In natural conditions, neomarica grows on poor soils, therefore, it does not need special fertilizer.During the period of intensive development and growth, the plant can be fertilized 1-2 times a month with special dressings for orchids.
Transfer
A young neomarica needs a transplant every year as it grows, and an adult one no more than once every 2-3 years.
Dormant period
Neomarica has its own established dormant period, which begins in October and ends in February. The temperature of the plant at this time should be about 5-10 degrees, the location should be as illuminated as possible.
Reproduction of neomariki
Neomarica can be propagated by offshoots that form on the peduncle after flowering. For this, the peduncle with the children is pressed to the ground in a new pot. After about 2-3 weeks, the babies will take root and the peduncle can be removed.
Types of neomariki with photos and names
Neomarica slender (Neomarica gracilis)
belongs to the herbaceous type of plants, large in size. The leaves are fanned out, green, leathery, 40-60 cm long, about 4-5 cm wide. The peduncle has up to 10 flowers, each about 6-10 cm in diameter. The flower pleases with its beauty for only one day. In the morning with sunrise, the bud opens, in the afternoon the flower reveals all its beauty, and in the evening it fades and fades completely.
Neomarica northiana
It belongs to the herbaceous type of plants. Has flat and dense to the touch leaves about 60-90 cm long, up to 5 cm wide. Flowers reach 10 cm in diameter, purple, sometimes with a blue tint, fragrant.
