Iris pallida aka Sweet Iris
Taxonomy
Iris pallida, also known as the Dalmatian iris or sweet iris, is a hardy flowering perennial plant from the subgenus Iris, family Iridaceae. Native to the Dalmatian coast (Croatia) it is now widely naturalised elsewhere. Growing from a rhizome, it is a challenging yet rewarding houseplant that prefers long-lasting, direct light and good at retaining moisture soil. It should be less than 1 foot from a window, and you should repot it each time it doubles in size, though fertilisers may not be necessary.
Common names
Sweet Iris, Fragrant Root Iris, Dalmatian IrisHow to care for Sweet Iris
Difficulty
Sweet Iris is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
Water
Sweet Iris should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Its needs are relatively simple, but one of the most important is making sure its soil is adequately moist. Without proper moisture, the plant can suffer from wilting and stunted growth. To ensure your Sweet Iris is healthy, you must choose a potting soil that retains moisture.
Look for a soil with good drainage to prevent root rot, but also make sure it contains plenty of organic matter. Coco coir and sphagnum moss are both excellent ingredients for retaining moisture and providing the #self.names with the nutrients it needs to thrive. If you can find a soil that has a combination of these ingredients, your #self.names will thank you with beautiful blooms.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Sweet Iris prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for Sweet Iris to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.
Toxicity
Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.
Fertilizer
The Sweet Iris should be transferred to a new pot once it has increased in size two-fold, or on an annual basis, whichever occurs earlier. Replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the necessary nutrients, is sufficient enough to support the growth of the plant, thus avoiding the need to use fertilizer. It's important to note that plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.
Region of origin
Sweet Iris’s native range is Europe - S. Tyrol from Yugoslavia to the Adriatic.
More info:
Wikipedia
