Hydroponic Papyrus: Cyperus papyrus in Tubs and Bins
Hydroponic papyrus grows in a pot that sits in standing water. Cyperus papyrus is a tall sedge from Africa with round heads of thin rays. A tub or bin on a sunny patio makes a simple home for it.
The short answer
Pot papyrus in heavy media and set it in a tub with up to 6 inches of water over the soil. NC State lists full sun to part shade and shelter from wind. It reaches 5 to 8 feet in gardens. Bring it indoors before frost or at 40°F.
How does papyrus grow in water?
NC State says papyrus tolerates up to 6 inches of standing water. UF/IFAS lists consistently wet soil or standing water in full or partial sun. NC State notes each head carries 100 or more rays 4 to 12 inches long.
| Option | What it does | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Standing water | Up to 6 inches over the soil | Cyperus papyrus (papyrus), NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox |
| Wet soil | Consistently moist roots | Papyrus, UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions |
| Full or part sun | Matches its light range | Papyrus, UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions |
How do you set up a tub or bin?
UF/IFAS suggests a container so papyrus does not crowd other plants. Colorado State suggests heavy clay loam for aquatic pots. Kansas State suggests a 1 inch pea gravel cap, and NC State advises wind shelter.
A solid container with heavy clay loam holds the clump in one spot, as UF/IFAS suggests.
How do you care for papyrus in winter?
NC State lists papyrus as hardy in USDA Zones 9 to 10. Bring it in before frost or once temperatures reach 40°F. Indoors, set the pot on a tray of water in a sunny window at 60 to 65°F. Cut dead stems in fall.
Move the pot indoors before frost or at 40°F and set it in a water tray.
How to: step by step
- Buy a papyrus plant from a nursery.
- Pot it in heavy clay loam in a solid pot.
- Set the pot in a tub so water covers the media.
- Place it in full sun with shelter from wind.
- Top up the water in hot weather.
- Move it indoors before frost.
Troubleshooting
Center of the clump dying: an old crowded clump, so NC State suggests division.
Stems bent by wind: an open site, so move to a sheltered spot.
Stems dying back in fall: cold weather, so bring the pot indoors.
Kind Seed Co shares these plant notes for growers of all kinds. For more on root media see hydroponic in different mediums. See pond water for cannabis and aquarium water for cannabis for related water notes. Read caring for your hydroponic system for system care.
Sources
- Cyperus papyrus (papyrus), NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Papyrus, UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions
- Water gardens: planting aquatic plants (PlantTalk 1026), Colorado State University Extension
- Water Gardening: Plants for the Water Garden (MF2912), K-State Research and Extension
FAQ
Is papyrus hardy in winter?
NC State lists papyrus as hardy only in USDA Zones 9 to 10. Bring it indoors before frost or when it drops to 40°F.
How tall does papyrus grow?
NC State lists 5 to 8 feet as an ornamental and up to 15 feet in its native range. UF/IFAS says most grow up to 10 feet.
Can papyrus grow indoors?
For winter, yes. NC State suggests a tray of water in a sunny window at 60 to 65°F.
What is dwarf papyrus?
UF/IFAS notes that most papyrus grows up to 10 feet but smaller forms are available.
How do you start new papyrus plants?
NC State lists division and seed in spring. UF/IFAS adds that a stem bent so its head sits under water can root.
