Neomarica is a genus of 16 species of plants in family Iridaceae, native to tropical regions of western Africa, and Central and South America. The genus name is derived from the Greek words neo, meaning “new”, and Marica, “the Roman nymph”. Walking iris has evergreen foliage. The foliage is similar to that of an iris and flowers may be white, yellow or blue. After flowering, the flower spikes lean to the ground and develop plantlets at the end, allowing the plant to quickly colonize a small area.

Neomarica gracilis is from Mexico and Costa Rica south to Brazil. This species is sometimes called the “Walking Iris” but this name may also be used for some of the other species.

Neomarica gracilis is a herbaceous plant with leaves about one foot tall. Flower spikes stand above the foliage. It has short lived ivory flowers with reddish-brown transverse bars on the claw. The inner segments are smaller with reflexed tips and blue. It blooms in late spring and early summer and appreciates shade. After pollination, the new plantlet appears where the flower emerged and the stalk continues to grow longer. The weight of the growing plantlet causes the stalk to bend toward the ground, allowing the new plantlet to root away from its parent. This is how it obtained the common name of “Walking Iris“. The other common name “Apostle Plant” comes from the belief that the plant will not flower until the individual has at least 12 leaves, the number of apostles of Jesus.

It has leaves with prominent veins and a stem that is forked below the apex. It is distinguished from other white flowered species, bearing its flowers on long (gracile) peduncles. The flowers emerge from what appears to be just another leaf, but is really a flower stalk structured to look like the other leaves.

They grow in shade in subtropical areas in the wild. They come from regions where the soils are extremely well drained (they can also be found in a thick layer of forest debris). Such soils are red, acid, high in iron and aluminum and notoriously low in “normal” nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, etc. This is not a water Iris, be careful
not to overwater.

Propagation can be done by dividing rhizomes or offsets.

Neomarica gracilis is not known in Türkiye also not commonly seen in other countries. But it is a great pass-along plant, a special group of plants that persist in our homes and gardens because they are tough, easily propagated and interesting enough to merit care.

The delicate flowers last only a day but the plant continues to form new blooms for long periods of time during late spring months. Makes also an excellent houseplant.