Data sheet papyrus grass
Botanical name:
Papyrus grass or papyrus plant (Latin: Cyperus papyrus)
Origin:
subtropical and temperate climates
growth height / size
100 cm to 200 cm (houseplant) / 400 cm (outdoor variants)
leaf color:
green
flower color:
white
behavior/stocking
Location at the pond:
bright and sunny
heyday:
from July to September
Light requirement:
sunny
Hardy:
no
For these and many other pond plants we recommend:
Photo by David J. Stang, Cyperus papyrus 6zz, CC BY-SA 4.0
Structure of papyrus grass
Blossoms:
- have a white color
- bloom from July to September
- have the shape of umbels
- shine in the sunlight
Leaves:
- are round, narrow and tubular
- sit umbrella-like on the narrow stems of the plant
Stems/shoot axis:
- are long, triangular and narrow
- the rhizomes of propagation hang on them
General introduction
The papyrus grass belongs to the grasses of the genus Cyperus as well as to Family of sedge, half and sour grasses (Latin: Cyperaceae). It is usually found in temperate and subtropical climates and is often referred to as a swamp plant.
Historically, she was then used by the Egyptians to make scrolls used. For this purpose, the stalks were cut into strips, arranged side by side and in multiple layers before they were pressed and dried in the sun.
Nowadays the papyrus grass is known as decorative houseplant or very popular as pond planting. These include above all the varieties King Tut and Little Giant Papyrus (Latin: Cyperus papyrus dwarf), as they only grow between 40 and 100 cm high. The first-mentioned papyrus grass is one of the few Cyperus grasses that tolerates shade and does not have to be in water all the time.
Acquisition and maintenance / care
The papyrus grass must be watered regularly, at best daily.
In the summer it is important to do this every two weeks during the flowering period fertilize and apply liquid fertilizer once a month.
Transplanting the grass into a larger pot is recommended every two years. Pruning is rather unusual, as you can simply collect the dead leaves and faded flowers.
If not cared for correctly, the papyrus grass can be damaged. Which includes brown leaf tips, yellow leaves and the appearance of spider mites due to dry air. On the other hand, if you water too much, for example, root rot can develop quickly.
requirements for the pond
The pond should sheltered from the wind lying, one loamy, lime-poor and acidic soil exhibit, as well as be rich in humus and nutrients. In addition, the place should be sunny and bright all year round.
The grass feels the most comfortable in the shallow water areas and in high humidity. The pond can also be refined with fine gravel and sand.
propagation
The papyrus grass can be propagate by seed, cuttings and offshoots. This requires a humus-rich, loamy and nutrient-rich substrate as well as sufficient space.
Division is easiest in the spring. All you need to do is remove the rootstock and replant.
Alone, they multiply by offshoots (rhizomes). These can then also be separated and repotted. When sowing, you have to replant the seeds of the flowers.
wintering
Due to its temperature sensitivity below 15 degrees Celcius is the papyrus grass not hardy. It is therefore advisable to let the grass overwinter in a warm and bright place.
The grass should be sprayed often to keep the humidity constant. Fertilizing can be reduced as there is no flowering time in winter.
For these and many other pond plants we recommend: