What should you do if the leaves of the umbrella papyrus turn yellow? How can you grow it so it thrives?

Among household potted plants, the umbrella papyrus counts as a very easy-to-grow species, but if it is grown the wrong way, yellowing leaves and similar problems can easily occur. So what should you do if the leaves of the umbrella papyrus turn yellow? How can you grow it so it thrives?

1. What should you do if the leaves of the umbrella papyrus turn yellow?

1. Newly bought umbrella papyrus leaves turn yellow

Cause of yellowing: it is in the seedling acclimation stage

Solution: this is normal. Wait until the umbrella papyrus grows roots, then cut off the yellow leaves and just care for it well.

2. Leaves turn yellow due to environmental changes

Cause of yellowing: too much fertilizer burns the roots, or the water in hydroponic culture becomes polluted. These environmental changes cause the roots to rot, and only then do the leaves turn yellow.

Solution: the umbrella papyrus has relatively high demands for water, so clean water should be changed frequently. Mineral water and purified water are best, followed by tap water, but it must be left to settle before use. In this situation, the rotting parts should be cleaned up as soon as possible. If it is soil-grown, yellowing leaves should also be investigated starting from the soil and roots. Although the umbrella papyrus likes water, waterlogging does the opposite of what is wanted. The umbrella papyrus should be either water-grown or soil-grown. When soil-growing, be sure not to water too much.

3. It slowly turns yellow after being placed indoors for a long time

Cause of yellowing: lack of fertilizer or lack of light

Solution: the umbrella papyrus likes fertilizer. Generally, fertilizer should be applied once every half month, otherwise malnutrition will cause the leaves to turn yellow. When growing the umbrella papyrus, the room temperature should also be suitable, and it should get some sun appropriately, otherwise it will lack chlorophyll and turn yellow.

2. How can the umbrella papyrus be grown so it thrives?

[Hydroponic methods and precautions for the umbrella papyrus]

1. Water quality: when growing the umbrella papyrus hydroponically, river, lake, or well water can be used. If it is tap water, it is best to let it settle for 24 hours first. Mineral water must not be used. For water quality, acidic water among electrolyzed ionized water is preferable.

2. Container: do not choose a shallow one. Colored glass balls or pebbles can be placed in the container. This not only stabilizes the center of gravity but also increases the visual appeal.

3. Care work: (1) When growing the umbrella papyrus hydroponically, the water surface should contact the upper part of the roots by 3 cm. Do not submerge too much, so as to avoid root rot affecting respiration. If the stems rot, the rotting parts must be cut off promptly to prevent the rotting area from expanding. It is best to cut at the bamboo nodes. Generally, once the umbrella papyrus has rooted, it is not prone to rotting. If rotting occurs, besides cutting off the rotting parts, some Lianglübao can also be put in the water to promote rooting. (2) In summer, the umbrella papyrus evaporates a relatively large amount of water, so the water needs to be changed once every 2 to 3 days to keep the water quality from becoming polluted. At the same time, when the air is dry, remember to mist the leaves, and at night the umbrella papyrus can be left to receive night dew. (3) The umbrella papyrus does not have a great demand for fertilizer. After a relatively long period, one or two fertilizer tablets can be dissolved in water to increase nutrition.

[Soil culture methods and precautions for the umbrella papyrus]

1. Soil: it is not strict about soil, but note that it is an acid-loving plant and alkaline soil cannot be used. Fertile, slightly clayey soil is preferable. Because most areas in the north have soil with more salt and alkali, after being cultivated for a period of time, bamboo will gradually lose green and turn yellow due to a lack of soluble iron that flowers can absorb. 0.2% ferrous sulfate can be watered on once a month.

2. Light: it has a relatively wide range of adaptability to light and can grow well in full sun or semi-shade. It dislikes blazing sun exposure. In summer, placing it in semi-shade is more favorable for its growth and can keep the leaves tender green and not old.

3. Temperature: the umbrella papyrus is not cold-tolerant. In the East China region, it can overwinter in the open ground with a little protection. The winter temperature must not be lower than 5°C.

4. Watering: the umbrella papyrus likes water. During the growing season, its pot soil must be kept moist. Make sure the flowerpot does not leak, and you can directly keep about 5 cm of water accumulated in the pot. That way you do not have to worry about watering every day. When it is hot, remember to spray the leaves to maintain humidity.

5. Fertilizing: fertilize with thin fertilizer and frequent applications. In spring and summer, 1% compound fertilizer can be applied with water. Avoid excessive fertilizing, which can easily cause the leaves to turn yellow. During the peak growing season, fertilize 1-2 times per month. To control height, in May, 400 ppm paclobutrazol can be watered on once, which can effectively control the umbrella papyrus from growing too tall.

6. Pests and diseases: leaf blight and red spider mite damage commonly occur. For leaf blight, 50% thiophanate can be sprayed as a 1000-fold solution; for red spider mites, 40% dimethoate emulsifiable concentrate can be sprayed as a 1500-fold solution.

Warm reminder: the umbrella papyrus can be made into a bonsai and can also be used as cut-flower material. Its ornamental value is very high. At the same time, it also has the effect of purifying water quality. Planting it in water can purify and remove most water pollutants such as COD and TN, and it is an optional plant for restoring water-source ecology.