Question
hi,
I got a purple harmony mini iris (iris reticulata) small plastic pot as a gift in the month of march. It already had flowers, but within two days of receiving, the flowers have become dull and almost seem dead. The leaves are about 25cm high with flowers at a 15cm height from the soil. I live in Michigan.

I did not water them and kept them inside. There is hardly any sun outside and its still cold. I don't know if I should keep them outside or inside. How much and how often should i water them? Is there a need to transfer them to a small pot with soil?? I am not sure if the flowers that are gifted come in soil or some sort of mixture.  

Please help me and suggest me something. I cannot let the flowers and the plant die. I really like them and would love to see them flowering always as they are supposed to be. I had also asked you a question previously and I really appreciate your effort.

Thanks a lot. Will appreciate your reply.:)

Answer
Hi Shakti,
Thanx for your question.  A lot of the potted, flowering spring bulbs you see in the store or florist have been forced.  That means that someone has forced the bulbs to start blooming early.  This results in a tremendous amount of energy being used from the bulb and usually results in the plant's demise.  Sometimes, however, a plant will survive.  But these plants are sold as another "throw away" gift once the plant has finished blooming.

Iris reticulata is very hardy.  I have it growing in my yard and it comes up about this time of year and should be blooming soon.  Up north, I imagine it will be comeing up much later and blooming in April.

What you can do is place the plant in a window that gets eastern or southern sun.  Water it once a week.  In the spring, when you can work the ground remove the plant from the pot.  Don't be nervous, it's a very hardy plant.  Dig a hole slightly larger and deeper than the size of the pot and plant the clump.  Don't cut the leaves off.  Hopefully, they are still nice and green.  They will collect sunlight which helps the plant manufacture sugars and starches which are stored in the bulb for next year's bloom and growth.  I hope this helps.
Tom