Umbrella Papyrus

Umbrella Papyrus is a succulent with spongy leaves that take up and store moisture. To provide the ideal moisture balance, water the plant thoroughly when the soil is dry, waiting until the water drains freely from the bottom of the pot. It is important that the soil is never left sitting in water, otherwise the plant can suffer from root rot. Watering frequency will vary depending on the environment, but Umbrella Papyrus typically requires watering every 7-10 days during warmer months and closer to every 4 weeks in winter.

Umbrella Papyrus prefers bright, indirect sunlight. This houseplant is not a fan of direct, hot sunlight or cold drafts. A room with air circulation, such as a living room on the north or east side of the home, can prevent any extreme sun or heat exposure. If kept in a shadier location, Umbrella Papyrus will become a softer yellow-green, indicating lack of adequate sunlight. With too much exposure to both sun and heat, the plant may become brown and wilted.

Umbrella Papyrus prefers an environment with temperature ranges between 55-80°F (12-28°C). Ideal temperatures should not go much higher or fall below this range, as the plant may become weakened or its leaves may start to brown and curl under too much stress from conditions that are too harsh or extreme.

Umbrella Papyrus likes humid, moist air, helping to keep the leaves looking their best. Outdoor humidity levels of around 50% are ideal. Sometimes, if a household tends to have dry air, a humidifier can be used to create the perfect atmosphere for this plant. Additionally, misting the leaves can help to boost the humidity levels around the plant and replenish its moisture.

Umbrella Papyrus requires a well-draining, sandy soil with a slightly acidic pH balance between 6.0-7.5. A combination of potting soil, perlite, vermiculite, and some aquatic plant pellets is an ideal balance. If kept in a container, make sure to use a pot with plenty of drainage holes to avoid soggy soil and root rot.

Umbrella Papyrus does not have a high nutrient requirement, but during the growing season (spring, summer, and early fall) a half-strength balanced liquid fertilizer such as Miracle Gro or equivalent will help support leaf production and blooming potential. Fertilizing should be done once per month at most, preferably in the early morning or late evening hours, and never when the plant is dry or wilted. When applying fertilizer, always follow the instructions on the label and do not over-fertilize as this can be just as harmful to the plant.

Like many other houseplants, pests can be a major impediment to healthy growth and development for umbrella papyrus plants. Commonly seen pests include mealybugs, scales, spider mites, and aphids. Usually spread through direct contact with other houseplants with active infestations, these pests can be identified due to their webs and egg-filled clusters they leave behind. The best way to get rid of them is to handpick or use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. Additionally, natural remedies like neem oil, insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils can help get rid of pests.

Umbrella Papyrus generally grows slowly and reaches a maximum of about 12 inches tall. Young plants should often be repotted every year in spring (March-April). As your Umbrella Papyrus grows you should gradually move it into larger and larger pots. In its adult years, repotting can be done every two to four years. When repotting a mature Umbrella Papyrus, carefully dig down the root ball and try to keep the roots from being dislodged or damaged.

Umbrella Papyrus foliage can be trimmed and pruned to shape, just like other houseplants. If the foliage gets too large, some of the tallest and oldest stems can be removed to encourage new growth and development. Feel free to use a pair of scissors or hand pruners to cut off any dead or dying leaves or stems. With careful pruning and regular maintenance, Umbrella Papyrus can make an interesting addition to a landscape.

Mulching helps Umbrella Papyrus maintain moisture and keep pests at bay. A few inches of mulch around the base of the plant should be sufficient for stimulation and healthy growth. Ideally, organic mulch like leaf mold or compost is the best choice, as it can break down over time and provide nutrients to the growing plant.

Umbrella Papyrus can be propagated either from seed or from divided pieces of the root underground. Growing from seed can take several weeks for germination and can have difficulty establishing the young plant. Growing from the root is the most popular technique for Umbrella Papyrus propagation. Under the soil, carefully divide the root in pieces using a sterilized blade, then replant in separate pots. You may also propagate from the pruned stems, though this is not as reliable as rooting in water.

For larger, mature Umbrella Papyrus plants with several stems, bamboo stakes or small trellises are useful for providing additional support and strength. This prevents the limbs from becoming too heavy and allows them to spread out and achieve more height.

In winter, when temperatures outside drop and days are shorter, Umbrella Papyrus will go dormant and stop actively growing. This doesn't mean the plant is completely inactive. Though Umbrella Papyrus requires less care during this period, it is still important to keep an eye on watering, light levels and temperature. It is best to avoid frequent repotting during the winter.

Umbrella Papyrus is non-toxic to dogs, cats, and other pets, making it a safe and enjoyable addition to your home. If ingested, though, it may cause mild stomach upset and it is best to keep pets away from where the plant is growing.