Once properly planted in the ground, the papyrus plant does not require much care. But both the real papyrus and its related Cyprus grass cannot tolerate low temperatures and are not hardy.
How should you plant papyrus?
To plant papyrus properly, you need moist soil and normal potting soil, possibly mixed with a little sand. The location should be bright, warm and protected from the wind, ideally on the edge of a garden pond. Pay attention to high humidity and appropriate temperatures.
The right location for papyrus
Real papyrus is a swamp plant and is therefore ideal for planting along the edge of a garden pond. It naturally feels very comfortable in shallow water, as it likes to grow on river banks in its homeland. It is best if you put the papyrus in a planter, then it is easier to transport for overwintering. A sunny and wind-protected place is ideal.
The right soil for your papyrus plant
Papyrus does not require any special soil, but it should be kept evenly moist. Use normal potting soil (€10.00 on Amazon) or mix sand with it. Pond soil does not need to be enriched separately. You can also use compost when planting, then your papyrus will not need any additional fertilizer for a few months.
Even if you want to cultivate the papyrus as a houseplant, normal potting soil is sufficient for planting. Since papyrus grows quite quickly, you should transplant it as soon as the planter becomes too small. This is the case at the latest when the pot is completely filled with stalks.
Do I have to transplant the papyrus for the winter?
The temperatures should not fall below 15 °C for real papyrus even in winter, and not below 10 °C for other types of Cyprus grass. Ideally, you should overwinter your papyrus in a bright, warm winter quarters.
If your papyrus is firmly planted in the garden pond or a swamp bed, you will need to transplant it into a pot in early autumn. Even during winter, the soil should always be moist. Therefore, don't forget to water your papyrus regularly. Also ensure high humidity all year round.
The most important things in brief:
- moist soil
- normal potting soil, possibly mixed with a little sand
- bright warm location
- high humidity
- suitable as a pond and house plant
Tip
In summer the papyrus feels very comfortable in the garden. A sunny place protected from the wind by the garden pond is ideal.
