Why doesn't the Iris flower
This article provides an introduction to why the Iris doesn't flower and detailed knowledge on Iris care, below is a detailed explanation by the editor.
The Iris is a relatively cold-resistant ornamental flower that can adapt to tropical environments, but there are fewer Irises that can. There are hundreds of Iris varieties, and you can try planting the one you like. If you experience cold winters and hot summers, you can try the Siberian Iris, which has excellent cold and heat resistance, making it suitable for indoor potted plants or as an ornamental flower in the garden.
The Iris only grows leaves and doesn't flower, usually due to excessive nitrogen fertilizer or lack of sunlight, even if the flower buds are formed, they cannot fully bloom.
Different Iris varieties have different growth forms and environmental requirements, but their failure to bloom is usually due to these 4 reasons. Let's take a look together.
1. Lack of sunlight
The most common reason for the Iris not flowering is a lack of sunlight. To encourage the Iris to bloom brilliant and attractive flowers, it needs at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day. In subtropical regions, it is necessary to provide some shading during the intense sunlight in the afternoon, and more sunlight should be given in a cool and humid environment.
2. Dividing or repotting
Some Iris varieties need to be divided and propagated regularly, while some varieties with beards are exceptions. Iris planted in the garden or pots will become very crowded at the base of their rhizomes in just a few years. Their leaves will grow small, and their flowers will also become smaller, eventually ceasing to bloom.
Why doesn't the Iris flower
It is generally recommended to repot every 3 to 4 years, while those planted in the ground need to be divided. The rhizomes at the base should be separated, and the best time to do this is at the end of summer by digging up the Iris rhizomes and cutting the overgrown rhizomes, separating them, and discarding any soft or blackened rhizomes.
Some rhizomes that don't produce leaves should also be removed and discarded in the trash. Bearded Irises can be replanted in the soil, and the rhizomes should not be planted too deep, generally only 3 centimeters below the soil surface. Planting the Iris too deep will prevent it from flowering.
3. Post-blooming treatment
It is crucial to cut off the spent flowers of the Iris immediately after they prepare to wilt. If you want to collect Iris seeds, you can leave the flowers to pollinate, but this will consume a lot of nutrients and reduce blooming the following year.
Spent flowers must be cut off promptly to retain more nutrients and promote better blooming.
4. Excessive fertilizer
In addition to not planting the rhizomes too deep, care should be taken not to apply too much fertilizer. Most Iris varieties can grow well in poor soil without needing a lot of additional fertilizer. Never apply too much nitrogen fertilizer, as this can cause excessive leaf growth and prevent flower formation.
Usually, only half to one ounce of thin fertilizer is needed per square meter of Iris, and it is usually given as an average fertilizer with a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium ratio of 10-10-10 to ensure the soil is not too poor or lacking in nutrients.
Fertilization is generally done from early spring to mid-summer. For potted Irises, a small amount of dilute fertilizer is enough for each plant. Simply dig a 5-centimeter hole along the pot edge, bury the fertilizer, and water thoroughly to replenish soil fertility.
The above green plant enthusiasts' net brings the reasons why the Iris doesn't flower and detailed knowledge on Iris care, hoping to bring help to you in your daily life!