Iris or Dancing Iris

Neomerica gracilis is a tropical iris that is native from S. Mexico to Brazil. When the Apostle Plant blooms it is an indicator that spring has arrived in the greenhouse. Blooming Time: Late Winter-Early Spring Flowers are up to 2 inches across, the outer perianth segment are white with yellow and brown markings, the inner segments are blue. The flower is lightly scented and lasts only one day. Culture: Neomerica gracilis need intermediate temperatures and a humid environment. They do best in part shade. I grow mine in 40% shade. A suitable compost consists of 2 parts peat moss to 1 part loam to 1 part sand. Keep the compost evenly moistened but not saturated. Fertilize weekly with a balanced fertilizer diluted to ½ the strength recommended on the label. Propagation: Neomerica gracilis are propagated by division or by removal of plantlets that form after flowering