Papyrus is a vigorous plant suitable for growing in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11, but overwintering papyrus plants is critical during the winter months in more northern climates. Although papyrus doesn’t demand much effort, the plant will die if subjected to frosty weather. Read on to learn more about winter papyrus care.
I. Appearance and CharacteristicsÂ
Cyperus papyrus, better known by the common names papyrus, papyrus sedge, paper reed, Indian matting plant, or Nile grass, is a species of aquatic flowering plant belonging to the sedge family Cyperaceae. It is a tender herbaceous perennial, native to Africa, and forms tall stands of reed-like swamp vegetation in shallow water.
This tall, robust aquatic plant can grow 4 to 5 m (13 to 16 ft) high, but on the margins of high altitude lakes such as Lake Naivasha in Kenya and Lake Tana in Ethiopia, at altitudes around 6,000 feet (1,800 m) the papyrus culms can measure up to 29.5 feet (9.0 m) in length, with an additional 18 inches (46 cm) for the inflorescence (a spicate umbel; i.e. each of the up to one thousand rays of the umbel terminates in a spike of small flowers) for a total height of 31 feet (9.4 m). Each culm is a single the longest known of any plant. At Lake Naivasha, the culms, triangular in cross-section, were as much as 7 inches (18 cm) on a side in width. It forms a grass-like clump of triangular green stems that rise up from thick, woody rhizomes. Each stem is topped by a dense cluster of thin, bright green, thread-like rays around 10 to 30 cm (4 to 10 in) in length, resembling a feather duster when the plant is young. Greenish-brown flower clusters eventually appear at the ends of the rays, giving way to brown, nut-like fruits.
Although no leaves are apparent above the soil line, the younger parts of the rhizome are covered by red-brown, papery, triangular scales, which also cover the base of the culms. Technically, these are reduced leaves, so strictly it is not quite correct to call this plant fully “leafless”.
Papyrus can be found in tropical rain forests, tolerating annual temperatures of 20 to 30 °C (68 to 86 °F) and a soil pH of 6.0 to 8.5. It flowers in late summer, and prefers full sun to partly shady conditions. Like most tropical plants, it is sensitive to frost. In the United States, it has become invasive in Florida and has escaped from cultivation in Louisiana, California, and Hawaii.
Papyrus sedge forms vast stands in swamps, shallow lakes, and along stream banks throughout the wetter parts of Africa, but it has become rare in the Nile Delta. In deeper waters, it is the chief constituent of the floating, tangled masses of vegetation known as sudd. It also occurs in Madagascar, and some Mediterranean areas such as Sicily and the Levant.
The “feather-duster” flowering heads make ideal nesting sites for many social species of birds. As in most sedges, pollination is by wind, not insects, and the mature fruits after release are distributed by water.
Papyrus is a C4 sedge that forms highly productive monotypic stands over large areas of wetland in Africa.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
These plants prefer full sun but will tolerate part shade, especially in very hot climates.
Temperature and Humidity
Papyrus is a plant indigenous to northern Africa, thus, it will survive as a hardy perennial in North America only in USDA hardiness zone 9 and above. In cooler climates, papyrus is typically grown as a potted plant that is overwintered indoors or as an annual that is discarded at the end of the growing season.
Watering
Papyrus is a marginal aquatic plant that grows in shallow bodies of water. It is not a deep-water plant and does not grow fully immersed in water. When planting papyrus in a body of water, make sure to only submerge its root ball, not its crown. The best way to get the water level right is to plant papyrus in containers. Elevate the containers by placing them on sturdy bases so that the crown of the plant is above the water level, not submerged in water. A tall papyrus tends to become top-heavy, so consider weighing down the container with stones to prevent it from toppling over into the water.
In any location that is not consistently moist, you will need to water papyrus daily.
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 a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. However, papyrus grows only in wet, boggy soil such as swampy areas, around landscape ponds, and rain gardens that receive constant moisture. If the soil is not naturally wet, be prepared to water regularly.
Fertilizing
Papyrus typically doesn’t require fertilizing but if you grow papyrus in a container by itself or a similarly closed ecosystem, it will benefit from a fertilizer for water gardens or aquatic plants.
Planting Instructions
Papyrus is delightfully versatile. You can plant it in standing water and allow it to rise majestically from pools, ponds, or bogs. Or, you can plant it in wet, fertile soil, either at the edge of a water garden or someplace that stays consistently moist, such as beneath a leaky spigot. The soil should be slightly acidic to alkaline.
Plant it near a pond, bog, or other body of water where it gets sun at least for part of the day. You can even plant papyrus in a large pot immersed in water. Growing it in a pot will also contain its vigorous spread via rhizomes.
Many common water garden plants are relatively low-growing, so papyrus makes a dramatic focal point—both for its height and texture.
Plant papyrus in the spring after there is no more danger of frost.
Whether you plant papyrus in soil or shallow water, make sure you don’t plant it too deep. The crown of the plant (where the stems meet the roots) should never be covered in water, only the root system should be kept wet. Submerging the root ball in water between a few inches and 1 foot deep is optional.
Pruning
In zones where papyrus is a perennial, cut back papyrus foliage to the ground level in the fall or early spring. 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. Don’t assume that you’ve lost a specimen just because it looks dead. Trim the stems down to a couple of inches and make sure it has plenty of water. Within three weeks, new, green shoots should emerge.
Propagation
In areas where papyrus is winter-hardy, dividing the plant in early spring keeps it vigorous and propagates it at the same time. Here’s how to do it:
- Dig up the entire plant, being careful not to damage any roots.
- Trim away the older, less healthy rhizomes and remove all vegetation that has turned brown. Use your hands to gently pull apart the roots to separate them into smaller sections. Make sure each section has a good amount of healthy-looking rhizomes on it.
- Plant the divisions in a suitable location at the same depth as the original plant. Water it well.
How to Grow From Seed
Papyrus can also be grown from seed although this should be done in pots; direct sowing is not recommended.Â
- Start seeds in 4-inch pots or seed starting trays indoors 10 to 12 weeks before the average last frost date in your area. In warmer climates, start seeds in pots when outdoor temperatures remain consistently above 68 degrees F.Â
- Gently press the seeds into the soil surface. Do not cover them as they need light to germinate.Â
- Keep the seeds evenly moist and in a warm environment and provide them with plenty of light in a south- or west-facing window or place them under grow lights. Seeds won’t germinate if the temperature is below 65 degrees F. The optimal germination temperature is 70 to 75 degrees F. Germination takes 15 to 30 days.Â
- Transplant them outdoors after the last frost has passed. Harden them off before planting. Plant the seedlings 10 to 16 inches apart.
Potting and RepottingÂ
For potting, choose a pot that amply accommodates the root system. For papyrus, unlike for most other plants, a pot with small drainage holes is better because the goal is to keep as much water in the pot as possible. If the pot has large drainage holes, you can plug some with a cork from a bottle.
Fill the pot with a mixture of potting mix and compost, which improves water retention. Repotting to a larger pot with fresh soil will be necessary when the roots have filled the pot.
Overwintering
If the winter temperatures in your location drop below 40 degrees F (which is possible in USDA Zones 9 and 10), you will need to bring your papyrus indoors.1 This requires a warm spot with full sun, ideally a heated greenhouse or sunroom, a setup that might be challenging to provide. If you don’t have a good place to overwinter the plant, you might find it easier to replace the plants yearly.
Pests and Diseases
Papyrus plants have no serious common pests and diseases, although they can be affected by rust fungus. This type of fungus appears as spots and discoloration on the leaves and stems of the plant.
III. Uses and BenefitsÂ
In Ancient Egypt, papyrus was used for various purposes such as baskets, sandals, blankets, medicine, incense, and boats. The woody root was used to make bowls and utensils, and was burned for fuel. The Papyrus Ebers refers to the use of soft papyrus tampons by Egyptian women in the 15th century BCE. Egyptians made efficient use of all parts of the plant. Papyrus was an important “gift of the Nile” which is still preserved and perpetuated in Egyptian culture.
IV. Types of Papyrus
There are different types of papyrus available, some of them belonging to different but related Cyperus species:
- Cyperus papyrus ‘King Tut’ is a classic tall papyrus. It grows 4 to 6 feet tall and spreads 3 to 4 feet.
- Cyperus papyrus ‘Prince Tut’ is a smaller, compact variety that grows 18 to 30 inches tall and 24 to 36 inches wide.
- Cyperus papyrus ‘Nanus’ is a dwarf papyrus with thin, dark green stalks that typically grows 18 to 24 inches tall and 12 to 14 inches wide.
- Cyperus involucratus ‘Baby Tut’ is a short, mounded variety growing 18 – 24 Inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide. Unlike other papyrus, it tolerates some dry soil conditions and can also be planted in regular garden soil.
- Cyperus prolifer ‘Queen Tut’ is one of the smallest papyrus varieties. It grows 18 to 24 inches high and spreads 12 to 18 inches.
