Iris flowers are very eye-catching and perennial plants to grow in the garden. They grow with rhizomes as they can live as long as their root system is healthy. All the rhizome sections have white roots that show the conditions of the rhizome and plant as well.
If the roots are not healthy then the plant needs to be transplanted with the healthy section and dump the rest of the rhizome.
Let's understand things in more detail. Don't worry. I'll guide to from inspecting the rhizome to the transplantation.
How to divide and transplant the Iris plants?
The simple purpose of transplantation of iris plants is to the disturbed root system of a particular section. It means you will get easily know that you need division and transplantation in those plants which are not blooming flowers.
Before transplantation, you have more multiple tasks to do. You have to pick up the entire rhizome and inspect the roots of each plant. Then, you have to divide the rhizome with healthy leaves and discard the unwell root portions even if it has green leaves. Don't worry It'll going to bloom flowers.
Causes of transplanting Iris flowers
Following are the main causes so that you need to transplant them in the garden-
An overcrowded area of Iris plants is not good for every plant as they don't get enough absorption of requirements from soil.
- No blooming flower leaves.
- Dry leaves with unwell rhizomes.
- Hard rhizomes with poor roots system
When to transplant the iris in the garden?
Late summer to early fall is the best time to transplant the iris flowers in the garden. Although, you can do it if the temperature is in the range of 45F to 60F.
In warm climate conditions, it is slightly easier to grow but with cooler regions, it starts to become particular with the right time and the right season.
Requirements
Tools required
- Ginger chopper
- Chopping board
- Scissors
- Spade
- Small cultivator tool
Materials required
- Compost
- Garden soil
- Garden Sulfur
Guide for transplantation
So far, we're positive to move on to the smooth transplantation of Iris plants. For transplantation, choose a similar space where plants get full sunlight with less shade. Now, let's understand how to begin the purpose-
Step 1- Mark the long-time unbloomed areas
At first, you should choose the plant sections where flowers are unblooming with time or even not blooming again. This is a very important step in any garden before transplantation.
Step 2-Pick the whole rhizome section
Use a spade, and pick the whole rhizome up over the ground. You can also use cultivator tools to pick it up clean.
Step 3- Inspect the whole rhizome
Now, inspect the rhizome with both ends and in the middle. If you see the healthy long white roots still growing with green over-ground leaves, then you need to divide that area. Discard the rhizome section where you don't find healthy growing white roots or even if the roots are getting dry or unwell.
Step 4- Divide the iris rhizomes
Use a chopping board and a chopper. Cut rhizome sections clean with a chopper. Leave the unhealthy portion because it is not going to bloom flowers again. Use a scissor to cut the upper portion of the leaves. The final height of the leaves should be 6 to 8 inches max.
Step 5- Prepare every rhizome section for transplantation
Most of the time we just transplant after dividing the rhizome sections but here I want to suggest you something. Take powder Sulfur to prevent any kind of garden disease like fungus, infection, etc.
Just rub a small layer on the fresh part of the rhizome and it is ready for transplantation.
Step 6- Final transplantation
Finally, make a dig in the ground with a spade. Make a trench with soil and compost mixture. Place the rhizome cut on that so that white roots can have some vertical depth in the ground. Now, cover it with the compost-soil mixture and spray some water.
Thus, you can divide and transplant the iris flower plants with their rhizomes.
How to take care of Iris after transplantation
After transplantation, you should give some time to establish the plant roots and adapt to the new conditions and not feel any stress. Make sure plants are not getting irritated at the new place or they will give you signs by getting brown spots or unwell leaves.
The following are some taking care tips for Iris after transplantation-
- Irrigate twice a week if the temperature is too hot. Don't wet the soil if water is not required much.
- Don't fertilize before one cycle of flower blooming.
- Transplant regularly if it is necessary.
- Take at least an inspection of rhizome sections from time to time.