It is a tall, stately plant, growing up to 8 feet in height.
Atop the stem, the plant grows an umbel that is showy, but the greenish-brown flowers are inconspicuous.
Papyrus is primarily valued as afoliage plant.
The Spruce / David Beaulieu
It is a fast grower that should be planted in the spring after the danger of frost has passed.
It readily self-seeds and spreads into naturalized areas, clogging waterways and encroaching on native plants.
Light
These plants preferfull sunbut will tolerate part shade, especially in very hot climates.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Soil
The soil needs to be fertile.
Amend nutrient-poor soil with compost or other organic matter before planting.
In terms of soil acidity, papyrus is adaptable; it grows at apH between 6.0 and 8.0.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
If the soil is not naturally wet, be prepared to water regularly.
Water
Papyrus is a marginalaquatic plantthat grows in shallow bodies of water.
It is not a deep-water plant and does not grow fully immersed in water.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
The best way to get the water level right is to plant papyrus in containers.
Tip
In any location that is not consistently moist, you will need to water papyrus daily.
Fertilizer
If planted in rich, fertile soil, papyrus plants usually do not require any fertilizer.
If grown as an annual, pull out the entire plant and discard it in the fall.
Even if your papyrus receives adequate water, some foliage may turn brown.
Dont assume that you’ve lost a specimen just because it looks dead.
Trim the stems down to a couple of inches and see to it it has plenty of water.
Within three weeks, new, green shoots should emerge.
Potting and Repotting Papyrus
Papyrus grows well in containers as long as you provide constant watering.
Use a container with large drainage holes and fill it with rich potting mix.
Otherwise, you will need to water the plant daily.
Repotting is only necessary if papyrus is grown as a perennial and when it outgrows its pot.
Choose a pot that is one size larger and fill it with fresh potting mix.
Or divide the plant into two or more sections and replant them each in a pot of suitable size.
Common Plant Diseases
Papyrus plants are generally not affected by serious pests and diseases.
Occasionally you may notice spots and discoloration of leaves and stems, which is caused byrust fungus.
Providing good airflow and other good garden hygiene helps to prevent fungal disease.
Remove affected foliage promptly and dispose of it in the trash.
If that does not deal with the issue, use organic or synthetic fungicides to treat the plant.
Within three weeks, new, green shoots should emerge.
Papyrus is part of the large family of sedges (Cyperaceae), aplant family related to grasses.
In addition to papyrus (Cyperus papyrus), there are more than 700 other species in theCyperusgenus.
Select a small variety, such asCyperus alternifolius,also called umbrella plant.
Plant it in a container with quality potting mix that holds moisture well.
Keep the soil moist at all times or set the pot in a dish filled with water.
Cyperus papyrus.North Carolina State Extension.
