Japanese Water Iris Iris 'Floating World' (CH)

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Hard-care

ABOUT

Iris 'Floating World' features a beautiful and distinctive appearance. The plant bears striking flowers that are the hallmark of the Iris family. The blooms typically showcase a harmonious blend of colors, often with petals exhibiting shades that transition from one hue to a different one, creating a captivating, watercolor-like effect. Each flower has multiple petals, with some standing upright and others cascading gracefully down. The upright petals are called standards, while the drooping ones are known as falls. The falls often display charming speckles, streaks, or contrasting color patches, adding to the artistic presentation of the bloom. In the center of the flower, the beards, which are fuzzy, hairlike extensions, may be found, often in a contrasting or complementary color that stands out against the petals. The foliage of the Iris 'Floating World' typically consists of long, sword-like leaves that grow in a dense clump. These leaves are usually a deep green color and have a slightly upright to arching habit. The overall form of the plant is elegant and structured, providing a solid backdrop to the showy flowers. The leaves contribute to the textural interest of the plant, adding to its visual appeal even when it's not in bloom. This Iris variety brings an exotic and sophisticated look to any garden space, creating eye-catching spots with their spectacular flowers and attractive foliage.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Iridaceae
- Synonyms
  Japanese Iris, Butterfly Flower, Japanese Water Iris, Siberian Iris
- Common names
  Iris 'Floating World' (CH).
Toxicity
- To humans
  Iris 'Floating World' is part of the Iris genus, which can be toxic if ingested. The main toxic components in irises are irisin, iridin, or irisine which can cause gastrointestinal upset if consumed. Symptoms of iris poisoning typically include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In severe cases, there might be more serious issues such as dehydration or electrolyte imbalances from prolonged vomiting or diarrhea. Handling the plant can also sometimes cause skin irritation due to its irritating saponins, so it's advisable to wash hands after contact and to prevent ingestion of any part of the plant to avoid possible adverse effects.
- To pets
  Iris, including the variety Iris 'Floating World', can be toxic to pets if ingested. The plant contains compounds such as irisin, iridin, or irisine, which can lead to gastrointestinal distress. Symptoms of iris poisoning in pets are similar to those in humans and often include vomiting, drooling, lethargy, and diarrhea. Ingestion of significant amounts can lead to more serious consequences such as dehydration and electrolyte imbalances due to persistent vomiting or diarrhea. If a pet is suspected of ingesting irises, it is important to seek veterinary care to manage the symptoms effectively.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Varies
- Height
  2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
- Spread
  1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
- Plant type
  Bulb
- Hardiness zones
  Varies
- Native area
  Temperate Northern Hemisphere

Benefits

General Benefits
- Enhances Garden Aesthetics: Iris 'Floating World' adds visual interest with its striking blooms and unique foliage, complementing various landscape designs.
- Attracts Pollinators: The vibrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects that promote pollination in the garden.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, this Iris variety can tolerate dry conditions, making it suitable for water-wise gardens.
- Low Maintenance: With its undemanding nature, it requires minimal care, reducing the need for frequent gardening tasks.
- Seasonal Interest: The plant has a specific blooming period that highlights the change of seasons in the garden.
- Versatile Planting Options: It can be planted in beds, borders, and containers, offering versatility in garden design and space utilization.
- Rapid Growth: Iris 'Floating World' typically grows quickly, allowing gardeners to enjoy its beauty without a lengthy wait.
- Soil Adaptable: It can thrive in a range of soil types, provided they are well-drained, making it adaptable to different garden conditions.
Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses
- The rhizomes of iris can be used in perfumery as a fixative to enhance the durability of a fragrance.
- Dried iris rhizomes, often called orris root, can be used in potpourri to add scent and help retain the fragrance over time.
- The fibers from iris leaves can be woven or braided into baskets, mats, or even textiles in small-scale artisanal crafts.
- Iris flowers can be crystallized and used to decorate desserts, adding an elegant and edible flourish to cakes and pastries.
- The plant can be used as a natural dye, with different parts creating varying shades on fabrics, ranging from yellow to green hues.
- In art, the distinctive shape of iris flowers can be used by painters and illustrators for botanical artwork and educational materials.
- The dried seed pods of iris have a unique appearance and can be incorporated into floral arrangements and dried bouquets.
- Iris 'Floating World' can be grown in water gardens or alongside ponds, providing aesthetic value and habitat structure for wildlife.
- The large, showy flowers can be used in photography and cinematography to create visually appealing scenes and backgrounds.
- Iris plants can be used in landscape design to stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes and banks with their thick root systems.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Iris is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Iris is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Hope - The iris often symbolizes hope, representing a belief in a positive future.
- Faith - It is also a symbol of faith, offering spiritual support and belief in the unseen.
- Wisdom - In some cultures, irises stand for wisdom and valued knowledge.
- Courage - The iris can signify courage, as it blooms boldly and brightly.
- Royalty - With its regal appearance, the iris represents royalty and noble bearing.
- Purity - Some associate the iris with purity and innocence due to its delicate form.
- Messages - The Greek goddess Iris was known as the messenger of the gods, and the iris flower is sometimes used to symbolize communication and messages.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 3-5 years

Repotting

🌱️

Late summer-early fall

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
The Siberian Iris prefers consistent moisture, especially during the spring and early summer growing seasons. It should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 2 inches of water each time. During periods of drought or extreme heat, you might need to water twice a week. Ensure that the soil drains well to prevent water-logging, which could cause root rot. Adjustments should be made based on rainfall; if there's heavy rain, you can skip the watering for that week.
Light
Siberian Iris thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal location for this plant would receive at least six hours of sunlight daily. However, in regions with very hot summers, providing afternoon shade can help protect the plant from excessive heat.
Temperature
Siberian Irises are hardy in a wide range of temperatures, typically from -40 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They can withstand cold winters and have a dormancy period that is vital for their growth cycle. The ideal growing temperatures for Siberian Irises are between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pruning
Pruning Siberian Irises involves removing spent flower stalks at the base after blooming to encourage next year's growth. Cut back the foliage to the ground in the fall to tidy up the plant and reduce the risk of disease. Pruning is typically done annually; however, if the plants appear overcrowded, division and additional pruning may occur in late summer.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The best soil mix for an Iris, commonly known as Bearded Iris, should be well-draining and mildly acidic to neutral, with a pH of 6.5 to 7. A mixture of loamy garden soil, compost, and sharp sand or perlite is ideal to ensure good drainage and fertility. Regular fertilization during the growing season can help maintain soil quality and plant health.
Repotting
Bearded Irises generally do not need frequent repotting and can thrive in the same location for several years. They should be divided and repotted every 3 to 5 years to prevent overcrowding and to rejuvenate the plant, which encourages blooming and improves plant health.
Humidity & Misting
Bearded Irises prefer a moderate humidity level but are quite adaptable and can tolerate the humidity levels typically found in temperate climates. Ensuring good air circulation around the plants can help prevent problems related to high humidity, such as fungal diseases.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place in a sunny spot, ensure proper drainage.
- Outdoor
  Full sun, well-drained soil, space rhizomes apart.
- Hardiness zone
  3-9 USDA
Life cycle
Iris 'Floating World' begins its life as a rhizome, which is a type of underground stem that stores energy. In spring, new shoots emerge from the rhizome, leading to the development of long, sword-shaped leaves. By late spring to early summer, the plant produces distinctive flowers, often with intricate patterns and a mix of creamy yellow and purple hues, which attract pollinators. After blooming, the flowers are followed by seed capsules if pollination has occurred. As the growing season progresses, these seed capsules will dry and open, releasing seeds that can germinate to produce new plants. With the onset of fall and colder temperatures, the foliage may die back, and the plant will enter a state of dormancy, with the rhizome surviving underground until the next growing cycle begins.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Late summer-early fall
- Iris 'Floating World', also known as Japanese Iris, is typically propagated through division, a practice best carried out in late summer after the blooming season has finished. To propagate by division, carefully lift the clump of iris plants from the ground using a spade. Shake off any excess dirt and use a knife or your hands to gently separate the rhizomes, ensuring each division has at least one fan of leaves and a portion of the rhizome. Trimming the leaves to about one-third of their height can help reduce water loss. Replant the divisions promptly, setting the rhizome just at or slightly below the surface of the ground, spaced about 18 to 24 inches apart (45 to 60 centimeters). Water them well to settle the soil around the rhizomes and remove any air pockets. This method encourages rejuvenation of the plants and results in an increase in bloom for the following season.