How to grow umbrella papyrus? Potted and water cultivation methods and care tips

Umbrella papyrus, also called umbrella grass, water bamboo, water palm bamboo, and windmill grass, is a perennial evergreen herbaceous plant in the Cyperaceae family. Its stems are upright and clustered, unbranched, with leaves reduced to sheaths wrapping the base of the stems. At the top of the stem are 10~20 involucral bracts, arranged in pairs opposite each other, extending evenly in a radial pattern like an opened small umbrella. In summer it produces small white or light purple flowers. Common cultivated varieties include dwarf umbrella papyrus and variegated umbrella papyrus. It likes a warm, humid, well-ventilated semi-shaded environment, tolerates shade and avoids direct sun, tolerates waterlogging but fears drought and cold, and can be kept indoors year-round. It can be grown both in pots and in water.

Planting and care of potted umbrella papyrus

For potting, use clayey soil rich in humus and with strong water retention. During the growing season, apply dilute cake fertilizer water once every 15~20 days, or a chemical fertilizer mainly based on nitrogen, and keep the potting soil moist at all times. However, do not over-fertilize, otherwise the plant will grow too tall. In summer, prevent direct sunlight, otherwise the leaf-like bracts are prone to dry tips and color loss; in a more shaded spot, the bracts instead become tender and bright green. When the air is dry or summer temperatures are high, frequently spray the plant to increase humidity. Too low air humidity can easily cause the tips of the bracts to turn yellow and discolored.

In winter, the indoor temperature is best kept above 10°C, and at minimum not below 7°C, with watering appropriately controlled. Insufficient fertilizer and water during the growing season, overly dry potting soil, or too low indoor temperatures in winter can all easily cause yellowing of stems and leaves. Remove yellow leaves promptly, and also cut off overly old stems as early as possible to encourage new stems to sprout and renew year after year. Potted plants are generally repotted once every other year in early spring; when repotting, trim away some old roots and add fresh culture soil.

Hydroponic method for umbrella papyrus

For water cultivation, the root-washing method or division method can be used to transfer the plant into water. New roots will grow in about a week, and the water level should preferably cover the roots. First place washed stones or pebbles at the bottom of a glass container, then put in the plant and use the stones to hold down the root system, ensuring it does not wobble or fall over. Umbrella papyrus has a large crown, so do not put too many stems in one container; a sparser arrangement looks more natural. When summer temperatures are high, increase the frequency of water changes and wash away the mucus on the roots to avoid root rot and death. Usually use a clean water spray bottle to mist the leaves often, and spray foliar fertilizer several times during the growing season to make the leaf color even greener.

Remember never to apply organic fertilizer in water cultivation, otherwise the water will become cloudy and the roots will easily rot. Instead, apply a chemical fertilizer dissolved in water once every half month, and the concentration should not be too high. The container should be placed in a ventilated spot, otherwise white mold is likely to grow at the base of the stems. Normally change the water once every 5~7 days; in summer, change it once every 2~3 days with cool boiled water to prevent the roots from being contaminated by bacteria and rotting. In winter, changing it once every 10 days is enough, and add 4~5 drops of nutrient solution.

Making umbrella papyrus bonsai and daily management

If you want to make it into bonsai, potting in spring from February to March is suitable. First spread a layer of coarse sand at the bottom of the pot to aid drainage. For the potting soil, choose sandy soil with good air permeability, fertility, and excellent drainage. Containers such as rectangular or oval purple clay pots or glazed ceramic pots are more suitable. The styling emphasizes varying heights and appropriate spacing, and the combination of bamboo and stones is the most common. Height can be controlled by pruning, and watering can also be adjusted appropriately to dwarf it. In daily management, water frequently during the growing season, apply light fertilizer once a month, and move the pot to a cool, ventilated place in summer. Umbrella papyrus grows quickly and needs frequent pruning to look attractive. Repot once every two to three years in spring. With regular attention to pest and disease control, you can grow beautiful and healthy umbrella papyrus.