Cyperus papyrus aka Papyrus

Taxonomy

Cyperus papyrus, also known as papyrus, papyrus sedge, paper reed, Indian matting plant, or Nile grass, is a tender herbaceous perennial belonging to the sedge family Cyperaceae. Native to Africa, this aquatic flowering plant forms tall stands of reed-like swamp vegetation in shallow water. It has a long history of use by humans, particularly the Ancient Egyptians, who used it as the source of papyrus paper. The plant has multiple uses, as its parts can be eaten, and its buoyant stems can be made into boats. Nowadays, it is commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant. In the wild, it thrives in full sun, flooded swamps, and on lake margins across Africa, Madagascar, and Mediterranean countries. It has also been introduced to tropical regions worldwide. This densely tufted perennial sedge can reach a height of 1.2m and features dark green stems that bear spherical, terminal heads of grass-like leaves. During summer and autumn, small spikelets of tiny brown flowers appear on the stems. The plant can grow up to 4 to 5m high and forms a clump of triangular green stems with feather-like, bright green thread-like stems on top. Greenish-brown flower clusters eventually give way to brown, nut-like fruits.

Common names

Papyrus, Egyptian Paperplant, Paper Reed

How to care for Papyrus

Difficulty

Papyrus demands precise care and specific environmental conditions, making it suitable for experienced plant enthusiasts seeking a rewarding challenge.

Water

Papyrus should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Papyrus is very sensitive to dry soil. To ensure your Egyptian Paperplant is thriving and blooming, choose a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil should still allow for adequate drainage and contain lots of organic matter. Coco coir or sphagnum moss are great soil additives that will help to retain moisture and provide your Papyrus with the nutrients it needs for healthy growth. Make sure to mix these soil additives into the potting soil before planting and water the soil thoroughly. By providing your Papyrus with a well-draining, moisture-retaining soil, you can help to maximize its growth and keep it blooming.

Lighting

Papyrus requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Egyptian Paperplant is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Growth-pattern

New growth will sprout from the top of the Papyrus as it grows vertically.


More info:
Wikipedia