In ancient times, the papyrus plant was essential to the Egyptians. They collected its stalks and stem, removed the central pith, and cut into thin strips. These strips were pressed together and dried to form paper. The plant was also used for woven goods, food, and fragrance.
Nowadays, we do not use it like the Egyptians. It is more of an ornamental plant and a popular choice amongst gardening enthusiasts. It is strikingly beautiful, with tall, graceful triangular stems often planted in the gardens for its beauty. Here is a guide on how to plant and grow these plants.
What Is A Papyrus
So what is papyrus exactly?
The papyrus plants are perennial aquatic plants native to tropical and subtropical regions. They go by many names, including Egyptian papyrus, dwarf papyrus, Nile grass, umbrella plant, and many more. They are classified as the genus Cyperus and belong to the sedge family of grass-like plants.
These ornamental plants need a warm and humid climate. Therefore, it is suitable for USDA plant hardiness zones 8 to 10. They grow in moist and swampy conditions and are commonly found along rivers, streams, swamps, and lakes. It is a fast grower and should be planted in spring after the danger of frost has passed.
These plants are an excellent addition to a water garden and could ideally be grown alongside other water plants like water lilies.
Varieties of Papyrus
If you are planning to grow papyrus in your garden, there are four varieties you could choose from. They grow to different heights, so you might want to consider that.
1. King Tut
King Tut papyrus is a cultivated variety of the Cyperus papyrus plant. It grows four to six feet tall and almost 4 feet wide. This variety produces greenish-brown flower clusters during warmer weather and eventually produces brown nut-like fruits.
These plants cannot survive winters with freezing temperatures. Protecting it during these colder months by bringing it indoors is also ineffective.
2. Baby Tut
The Baby Tut is a dwarf variety of the Cyperus involucratus species. It has compact, umbrella-shaped foliage that is perfect for container growing. It grows up to 18 to 24 inches tall and wide.
The Baby Tut is a popular houseplant choice because of its manageable size and ease of care.
3. Nanus
Another dwarf variety is the Nanus. Unlike the two mentioned above, this one is a true cultivar of the Cyperus papyrus plant that the Egyptians used for writing.
This plant grows up to three feet tall, making it more manageable than its taller relative. They are perfect for containers and indoors because of their compact size.
4. Umbrella sedge
Umbrella sedge, also known as umbrella papyrus or Cyperus alternifolius, is a grass-like plant that belongs to the Cyperus genus.
It is native to Madagascar, West Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula but cultivated globally due to ornamental value.
These plants grow up to five feet tall, making it a perfect choice if you are looking to add more height to your water garden or lawn.
The following steps and information provide detailed instructions on how to grow papyrus:
When to Grow Papyrus
The best time to plant papyrus depends on the climate. Papyrus thrives in warm conditions and cannot withstand winter with freezing temperatures. In warmer climates, you can plant your papyrus anytime.
But if you are sowing seeds outdoors, temperatures should consistently be above 68 degrees Fahrenheit, and there should be no dangers of frost.
In cooler climates, it would be ideal to plant it indoors in warm conditions. You can keep them inside year-round or transplant them outdoors until frost danger has passed.
If transplanting, start seeds indoors 10-12 weeks before the last frost date in your area and transplant them outdoors after the dangers of frost have passed.
Where to Grow Papyrus
Papyrus is an incredibly adaptable plant that can thrive in various environments. You can grow it in still water, like a pond or bog, and allow it to rise pretty. You could plant it in a damp area with wet soil, such as near a leaky faucet or the edge of a water garden. The soil should have a neutral pH value.
You can also grow it in a large pot submerged in water. This way, it can grow tall and spread its roots without getting out of control. Unlike other common water garden plants that are short and basic, papyrus stands out with its dramatic height and texture.
How to Plant Papyrus
To plant papyrus, you can start your seeds indoors and transplant them outdoors or propagate them. Direct sowing is not recommended.
Transplanting
To transplant seeds on time, start your seeds indoors 10 to 12 weeks before the last frost date if you are in a cold climate. For warmer climates, start seeds when temperatures remain consistently above 68 degrees F.
Fill a 4-inch pot with potting mix and compost, and gently press the seeds into the soil surface.
Do not cover them with soil, as they need light to germinate. Ensure your pot has small drainage holes to keep as much water in the pot as possible.
If the pot has large drainage holes, plug some with a cork from a bottle.
Water your seeds and keep them evenly moist in a warm environment. Place them in a south or west-facing window or under grow lights to provide plenty of light.
The temperature should be at the optimal range of 70 to 75 degrees F. If it is below 65 degrees F, the seeds will not germinate.
After 15 to 30 days, the seeds will germinate.
Gradually acclimatize your plants to outdoor weather by putting them outdoors for an hour daily. You should start this 2 to 3 weeks before the last frost.
Transplant the seedlings outside. Plant the seedlings 10 to 16 inches apart.
Papyrus plants are low maintenance and unfussy. They can easily reach optimal growth if they are grown in the right conditions.
Light
Papyrus can be flexible with their light condition but thrive in full sun. They need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct morning sunlight daily. In hotter climates, they might need afternoon shade as the hot sunlight can scorch their leaves.
If you cannot provide direct full sunlight, they can survive in partial shade, but the color of their leaves will not be as vibrant. Also, avoid deeply shaded locations, as the papyrus will struggle to grow in areas with little sunlight.
Soil
Papyrus needs consistently moist and fertile soil. These plants love water, so their soil should be damp. If the soil is not naturally wet, you might need to water regularly.
Damp, moist soil does not mean it must be soggy. Soggy, waterlogged soil can lead to rot. Therefore, good drainage is still important. The soil should also be nutrient-rich. If it is nutrient-poor, amend it with compost or other organic matter before planting.
This will also improve the quality of sandy soil and improve moisture retention. Additionally, take note of the pH level of the soil. These plants can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels, from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.5.
Water
Most plants are drought tolerant, but not papyrus. These plants are aquatic, meaning they need water to survive. This is why they need consistently wet soil to survive.
You should grow it in standing water and let the base of the plant sit in a shallow inch or two of water. Ensure you only submerge its toot ball in the water and not the entire plant because it is not a deep-water plant. If your papyrus is in a location that is not consistently moist, you will need to water it daily.
To get the water level right, plant the papyrus in elevated containers on sturdy bases to ensure the plant's crown stays above the water's surface rather than being submerged. Since tall papyrus plants can become top-heavy, weigh down the container with stones to prevent it from tipping over into the water.
Temperature and Humidity
Papyrus plants prefer warm and humid conditions that mimic the marshlands. They thrive in temperatures between 68°F and 100°F so warmth is essential for its growth.
They cannot tolerate anything below 50°F for extended periods. If you live in cold climates, consider growing them indoors, as they will not survive frosty conditions.
High Humidity levels between 50% and 70% are ideal for this plant. This helps prevent the leaves from drying out. If you live in a dry climate, consider using a humidifier to increase the humidity around your papyrus plant, especially indoors.
Fertilizer
Papyrus plants do not require much feeding, especially if you plant them in rich, fertile soil. The nutrients in the soil are sufficient for healthy growth. Therefore, ensure you use a good potting mix or amend the soil with nutrient-rich fertilizers before planting.
You should also look out for signs that indicate your plants need feeding. The plant will grow slowly, and the leaves will turn pale or yellow. These are signs your plant is nutrient deficient. If you decide to fertilize, do it in the growing season from spring to summer once a month.
Pruning
Papyrus plants do not require much feeding, especially if you plant them in rich, fertile soil. The nutrients in the soil are sufficient for healthy growth. Therefore, ensure you use a good potting mix or amend the soil with nutrient-rich fertilizers before planting.
You should also look out for signs that indicate your plants need feeding. The plant will grow slowly, and the leaves will turn pale or yellow. These are signs your plant is nutrient deficient. If you decide to fertilize, do it in the growing season from spring to summer once a month.
Papyrus are usually not affected by common pests and diseases, although they can be affected by rust fungus.
Rust fungus is a group of fungal diseases that affect the leaves. The characteristic symptoms of this disease are the orange, yellow, brown, or red spores on the leaves or stems of the plant. Rust occasionally forms on blooms.
This disease does not affect a plant's health when caught early. Therefore, you should constantly inspect your plants. But if it is too late, it can severely limit the growth of plants, so you should learn how to get rid of it.
You can pluck out the affected leaves and stems to prevent the fungus from spreading in mild cases. You can also apply neem oil spray or baking soda. But in severe cases, a fungicide might be necessary.
If you want to prevent the disease, you should fulfill certain conditions. Firstly, do not water your plants overhead, as this can wet the leaves and stems, creating a humid environment for fungal diseases to grow. Apply water to the base of plants so that it can reach the roots.
