[AG] Papyrus

[Linda A. Guy]

Hi Renior,

Papyrus is a bog plant; it is also a tropical which means it has higher need for humidity. They flourish with an inch or two of water above their roots, planted in containers of soil, and this is easily achieved in a pond setting. But they are also, believe it or not, submerged in a similar fashion and kept on patio or indoors. You 'damp' area may be inadequate to the task; also there is less humidity than when in a pond
or larger container of water.

These are full sun to partial shade plants. Mine have always leaned toward the sun when blocked by the shade of a nearby tree, which I ultimately removed for the health of my pond. Unless your area is filtered shade, it sounds like you might need to find a better location.

I'm not saying you cannot plant it in a non-water garden setting, just that it could be more fussy. I would suggest buying a wide plastic container, like those used for water lilies, and plant it in ground in the container. You can keep it a lot more moist that way, and not overwater adjacent plants. And more importantly you will contain what can become a weed! We often recommend a container strategy for other invasive
plants like herbs, which need good drainage produced by cutting out the bottom first. But in the case of a marsh plant, I'd suggest leaving the container bottom in tact.

I have only just completed my annual pond cleaning. Last spring, I put one papyrus division of about 4 to 5 inch diameter in a three foot wide pot and in one year it is already totally overgrown. This is quite typical. To divide it, I remove the root ball and saw through it, giving away the divisions. [I have some if you are interested in more!]

Good luck!
Linda Guy
Master Gardener

renior307@aol.com wrote:

> arid_gardener
> What is the ideal siol and situation to plant a creeping fig? How can I make my recently planted varigated cast iron plant more "varigated". Someone suggested rose food. They are for the most part basic green. Also, I planted a papyrus (not the umbrella variety-but real "Nile papyrus) in a shady rather damp part of my garden. Will it prosper or does it really need a pond like setting? That's all for now. thanks, Renior
>
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