Hydroponic Umbrella Sedge: Cyperus alternifolius in Jars and Tubs
A hydroponic umbrella sedge grows with its roots in standing water. Cyperus alternifolius has leafy heads that spread like the ribs of an umbrella. NC State notes it is native to Africa and Arabia.
The short answer
Set a potted umbrella sedge in a jar or tub so water covers the roots. NC State says the roots must stay wet. Give it sun or light shade with shelter from harsh sun and wind. Indoors on a tray of water it grows to about half its outdoor size.
What is umbrella sedge?
NC State describes umbrella sedge as a perennial that typically grows 4 feet tall and up to 6 feet. Dwarf forms such as ‘Gracilis’ and ‘Nana’ reach 2 feet, and it is hardy in USDA Zones 8 to 11. It can turn weedy or invasive.
Standard forms grow 4 to 6 feet and dwarf forms reach about 2 feet.
How do you grow it in a jar or tub?
NC State suggests a water garden or a container indoors on a tray of water. Grow it in moist fertile soil or standing water. Colorado State suggests heavy clay loam for aquatic pots.
| Option | What it does | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Tray of water | Holds roots wet indoors | Cyperus alternifolius (umbrella sedge), NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox |
| Heavy clay loam | Stays in place under water | Water gardens: planting aquatic plants (PlantTalk 1026), Colorado State University Extension |
| Grow light | Adds winter light indoors | Small scale hydroponics, University of Minnesota Extension |
How do you start new plants?
NC State lists division and stem cuttings. Its stems also flop over and root where they touch wet ground. Kansas State groups umbrella palms with plants mostly propagated by division.
Divide a crowded clump or root stem cuttings to make new plants.
How to: step by step
- Buy a potted umbrella sedge.
- Set the pot in a jar or tub of water.
- Hold water over the root zone at all times.
- Give sun or light shade away from harsh sun and wind.
- Top up the water as it drops.
- Divide the clump or root stem cuttings for new plants.
Troubleshooting
Brown tips: improper water, since NC State says the roots must stay wet.
Scorched leaves: harsh sun, so move to light shade.
Weak growth indoors: low winter light, so add a grow light.
Kind Seed Co shares these plant notes for growers of all kinds. For more on root media see hydroponic in different mediums. Read caring for your hydroponic system for system care. See aquarium water for cannabis and pond water for cannabis for related water notes.
Sources
- Cyperus alternifolius (umbrella sedge), NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Water gardens: planting aquatic plants (PlantTalk 1026), Colorado State University Extension
- Water Gardening: Plants for the Water Garden (MF2912), K-State Research and Extension
- Small scale hydroponics, University of Minnesota Extension
FAQ
Is umbrella sedge the same as papyrus?
No. Both are Cyperus species, but NC State lists umbrella sedge as Cyperus alternifolius and papyrus as Cyperus papyrus. Umbrella sedge grows about 4 feet tall.
Can umbrella sedge live indoors?
Yes. NC State suggests a container indoors on a tray of water. As a houseplant it grows to about half its outdoor size.
How do you root umbrella sedge cuttings?
NC State lists stem cuttings and division. It notes that stems flop over and root where they touch wet ground.
Does umbrella sedge need fertilizer?
NC State says it prefers fertile soil. Kansas State adds that most marginal plants flourish without supplemental fertilization.
How tall does umbrella sedge grow?
NC State lists 4 feet as typical and up to 6 feet. Dwarf forms reach 2 feet.
