Growing a papyrus or cyperus in a pot

Species of Cyperus to Grow in Pots

The genus Cyperus comprises around 400 different species. Among the most well-known and cultivated are the famous Cyperus papyrus and Cyperus alternifolius, as well as Cyperus glaber and Cyperus longus.

Cyperus papyrus, Cyperus alternifolius, Cyperus glaber, and Cyperus longus

All share the common trait of being semi-aquatic plants that thrive in humid mediums and can be perfectly cultivated in pots. However, some species prove to be hardier than others. For instance, while Nile papyrus, umbrella plant, and glabrous bulrush can withstand temperatures between -4 and -8°C at most, the fragrant bulrush can endure negative temperatures of around -23°C.

Therefore, prefer to grow Cyperus papyrus, alternifolius, and glaber in pots, and reserve Cyperus longus for outdoor planting.

It is also worth noting that the umbrella plant (alternifolius) is the easiest species to grow in pots. Indeed, it is the least demanding cyperus in terms of moisture, as well as the least imposing species, making it the easiest to install indoors. However, it should be noted that recent cultivars of Cyperus papyrus, such as ‘Cleopatra’ and ‘Akhenaton’, offer a more compact habit than their parent variety, and are thus much easier to grow in containers. These are two cultivars that one should not hesitate to cultivate as indoor green plants.

Choosing the right pot for growing Cyperus

Cyperus is a fast-growing rootstock plant. Therefore, it is important to provide it with a container of sufficiently large dimensions from the outset. Choose a pot with a minimum diameter of 25 cm.

Cyperus alternifolius (©Maja Dumat) and Cyperus papyrus (©Forest and Kim Starr)

Again, the choice of pot depends on the species being grown. For instance, while Cyperus alternifolius and Cyperus glaber require well-drained soil, Cyperus papyrus can thrive with its roots completely submerged in water, without the risk of rotting the rootstock. Ideally, choose a pot with a drainage hole for the former, and a container with a water reservoir for the latter.

Tip: Place a stone over the drainage hole of the pot. This prevents the substrate from escaping the container while allowing water from the saucer to rise into the soil by capillarity.

Using the right substrate for a potted Cyperus

Install your cyperus in a pot in a compound substrate made up of a mixture of:

• potting soil;
• garden soil that is clayey or loamy;
• compost or ground horn powder (in moderation).

Place a thick layer of clay balls at the bottom of the pot and cover it with this substrate before planting. The cyperus will thus benefit from perfectly drained planting soil.

Planting a cyperus in a pot

When to plant?

Ideally, plant your cyperus in a pot in spring.

Planting Cyperus alternifolius (©Maja Dumat)

How to plant?

1. Prepare the pot with a layer of clay balls and substrate (see above).
2. Position the root ball of the cyperus in the centre of the container, ensuring that the collar is level with the surface of the pot.
3. Cover the root ball with an additional layer of substrate and firm it around the collar.
4. Place the container in a deep saucer and fill the saucer with water.
5. Water the freshly planted cyperus generously.

Caring for potted Cyperus

Semi-aquatic plant, cyperus must be grown in a substrate that is kept consistently moist. It is therefore essential to ensure that the saucer under the pot is continually filled with water. Similarly, remember to water regularly the root ball to maintain the moisture of the substrate.

Also, consider providing a special green plant fertiliser to your potted cyperus during the growing season. Apply liquid fertiliser twice a month between April and September.

Overwintering potted Cyperus

Potted cyperus should be placed out of the cold from autumn, when the first frosts are forecast. Choose a non-heated space that benefits from good exposure to natural light. Position the pot near a well-lit window, ensuring that the sun’s rays do not scorch the leaves through magnification. Ensure that the plant has sufficient humidity.

Wintering Potted Cyperus (©Maja Dumat)

If you have no choice but to winter your cyperus inside the house or apartment, help them withstand the overly dry atmosphere by regularly misting their leaves.

Note: whiteflies and red spiders thrive in the dry, warm conditions of our interiors.

Wait until April, but especially until all frosts have completely passed, before reinstalling your potted cyperus outdoors. Then, gradually readjust the plant to outdoor conditions by progressive steps. The potted cyperus can remain outside from April to October, placed on a terrace, balcony, or in a sunny garden. Ideally, position the pot near a water source (above-ground pond, small pool, small pond, fountain…). In the case of cyperus papyrus, the pot can even be submerged in shallow water.