It is imperative not to deadhead the spent blossoms as this is where new plants will sprout. Neomarica caerulea, my favorite, is indigenous to the rainforests of Brazil. This species prefers acidic soil when grown outdoors. Fertilize monthly with Miracid during the growing season. In Florida, Neomaricas should be sited in part-shade.
Morning sun is preferred.
Supplemental watering is essential during periods of drought. Locally, a neighbor devised a most harmonious combination of these fine plants as as a carpet under a Jacaranda tree, where their bloom times usually overlap. Neomarica gracilis is a shorter, more diminutive plant, typically 2 feet tall. Its fragrant flowers, while only lasting a day, are produced in succession over a period of several weeks. The white outer petals are banded in chestnut and yellow at the base, while the 3 inner segments are blue.