A Detailed Guide to Iris Planting Methods and Care Essentials
Before planting irises, we should first understand their growth habits. Irises greatly prefer sunny locations, tolerate shade and moisture, but are not cold-hardy, so in winter irises must never be left out in the snow, lest they get frostbitten. Now that we understand their habits, let's get started planting them.
Planting method:
① Place the prepared iris plant into a flower pot, water it, and at first put it in a shaded place to prevent direct sunlight from evaporating the water too quickly.
② Water 1-2 times a day, morning and evening, to keep the soil moist.
③ After one week, the iris can be moved to a sunny spot, because by then it has adapted to the environment.
④ What remains is routine care; just fertilize according to the season.
Besides its unique flower shape and graceful posture, the iris also gives off a delicate fragrance. Grown at home, it will add a light floral scent to the house. Friends, go and plant it right away! If you want to see more information about irises, please follow Four Seasons Plants Network, where more knowledge awaits you!
Iris Planting Methods
According to differences in their underground stems, irises can be divided into two types: rhizomatous irises and bulbous irises. Among them, rhizomatous irises are propagated by division, and can also be propagated from seed.
Rhizomatous irises can be divided every one to two years. The method is to dig up the original iris, then divide it into 3-4 plants (the number of divisions can be based on the number of irises), and plant them after dividing. The division of irises is generally done after the irises bloom, and of course the rainy season must be avoided during this period. As long as the irises can produce flower buds before winter, the divided plants will be able to sprout the following year. When dividing the rhizomes, generally 3-4 can be left on the rhizome; the divisions should not be too thin. The divided irises should have about half of the leaves above cut off, leaving about 20cm for planting, and they are better suited to shallow planting.
Growing from seed: plant immediately after the seeds mature.
Bulbous irises can be propagated through bulbs. During the flowering process, the bulb exhausts its nutrients, then produces a new bulb, and at the same time produces new bulbs and daughter bulbs. Generally, daughter bulbs can develop into flowering bulbs in 1-2 years.
How to plant irises? Iris planting methods and precautions
Image: Iris
[Common Questions] How to plant irises? Iris planting methods and precautions
[Expert Answer]
Irises are usually pressed into the soil with the thumb. Before planting, the soil should be loosened and made slightly moist. After planting, cover the seedbed with soil until the tip of the bulb is just covered. The soil temperature where the bulb sits should not be higher than 20°C. During growth, light is needed, and water should not be excessive. The specific care essentials are as follows:
1. Temperature
After planting, temperature is the most important factor. The temperature should be above 5°C, with a maximum temperature of around 20°C, and the most suitable temperature is around 17°C.
2. Humidity
The ideal relative humidity is around 75%. Be careful to avoid large fluctuations in humidity or gradual humidity changes. On warm sunny days, cloudy days, or humid weather, the relative humidity tends to be higher. Corresponding measures must be taken; humidity needs to be lowered by heating and ventilating at the same time.
3. Shading
Shading can control the temperature, humidity, and light in the greenhouse. In months with strong light, the temperature in both ventilated greenhouses and open ground is too high (above 25°C). In this case, shading together with ventilation can suppress the decline in cut flower quality.
4. Fertilizing
Chemical fertilizers commonly used for greenhouse Phalaenopsis include potassium dihydrogen phosphate, compound fertilizer, and some special orchid fertilizers. The application method is to add water to make a 2000-fold dilution, then apply it by hand spraying or add it to an automatic sprinkler irrigation system for spraying. According to the different growth stages of Phalaenopsis, the composition of the chemical fertilizer applied should differ. The fertilizer ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is 20:20:20 for the vegetative growth stage of small and medium seedlings, and 7:11:27 for large seedlings and flowering plants. The fertilizing interval should preferably be spraying once every 7 to 10 days.
5. Pest and disease control
Common diseases include brown spot disease and soft rot, which can be sprayed with a 50% carbendazim wettable powder 1000-fold solution. Pests include scale insects and whiteflies, which can be killed by spraying with a 2.5% beta-cypermethrin emulsifiable concentrate 3000-fold solution.
6. Post-flowering handling
After the flowers wilt, the flower stems can be cut off from the base. When the growing medium ages, it should be replaced in time.
[Editor's Comments] The above is the iris planting methods and precautions introduced to you by the First Agricultural Economics editor. Irises are very easy to grow. Friends who like irises might as well plant a few. For more related knowledge, please follow the relevant columns and channels of First Agricultural Economics; we will provide you with more professional articles.