King Tut Papyrus | Cyperus papyrus

Cyperus Papyrus, commonly known as Paper Reed, Papyrus Sedge, Nile grass, Indian Matting plant, or simply Papyrus, is a type of aquatic flowering plant from the Cyperaceae family. Papyrus plants were originally grown in the tropical regions of Africa, around the Nile river, and as of late, they have become highly cultivated as ornamental houseplants.

Growing

Papyrus plants are used to the mushy environments from their natural habitat, so they will thrive in areas that simulate those conditions. They are low-maintenance and easy-going plants if you manage to find a sunny place and plant them in a fertile soil that is constantly moist.

Watering

The best thing about papyrus plants is that you can’t overwater them. As long as you keep their roots always wet, your papyrus plants will be happy. They love lots of moisture, so you should check their soil frequently to make sure you provide them with plenty of water. If you live in a region with dry or hot climates, these plants may need watering once every day. During the winter or cooler months, you can water your Papyrus plants less often.

Potting & Planting

They grow happy and healthy in a soil that is constantly wet or soggy. For optimal results, Papyrus must be planted in swampy locations including rain gardens or landscape ponds. If you want to grow them in a container, they do well in most types of soil, such as clay, loam, or sand.

These plants can also grow in a commercial potting mix, but you will need to provide them with additional organic matter. When first planting your Papyrus plants, feed them with a balanced liquid fertilizer at one half the recommended amount. During the spring, they will benefit from regular feedings with a fertilizer diluted at ½ strength once a month. It is better to fertilize your plants when watering to avoid any potential burn.