Papyrus Plant Care Guide: How to Grow Papyrus Plants

Papyrus plants (Cyperus papyrus) are hardy plants with grassy foliage that spreads out like an umbrella atop triangular stems. For this reason, papyrus plants are also commonly known as umbrella plants. Thick, woody rhizomes support the growth of the tall, green stems, helping the plant reach up to 16 feet in height. Native to Madagascar, the papyrus plant is part of the genus Cyperus and the sedge family (Cyperaceae) of grass-like plants.

Papyrus is considered an aquatic plant because it naturally grows in shallow water or wet soil. It’s commonly found growing along rivers, streams, swamps, and lakes. Papyrus grows well in a water garden alongside other water plants—like water lilies—as this setup mimics its native habitat. You can also consider potting your papyrus plant for a beautiful houseplant.

The papyrus plant is known for its use throughout ancient Egypt. Ancient Egyptians used the papyrus growing along the Nile River for many purposes. One of the most famous of these purposes was creating papyrus paper, one of the oldest forms of paper. In fact, the papyrus plant is also referred to as Egyptian paper reed because of its role in written record-keeping during ancient times.

Ancient Egyptians also used the papyrus stems to make cloth, sandals, toys, sails, and boats. Other ancient civilizations along the Mediterranean also cultivated the papyrus plant to make medicine, perfume, and ropes. Today, calligraphers and artists use papyrus paper for specialty projects. Papyrus is an edible plant, and people still consume the rhizomes raw or cooked.

When choosing a type of papyrus to grow, consider the average height of the variety you select.

1. 1. ‘King Tut’: ‘King Tut’ papyrus is a cultivar that tends to grow four to six feet tall. This type of papyrus grows green leaves that bloom brown nut-like fruits in the summer. It’s a great backdrop plant for a water garden with a pond.
2. 2. ‘Baby Tut’: ‘Baby Tut’ is a dwarf variety of the papyrus plant. It only grows one to two feet tall. This papyrus cultivar is best suited as a potted houseplant.
3. 3. ‘Nanus’: Like ‘Baby Tut’ papyrus, ‘Nanus’ papyrus is a dwarf variety. ‘Nanus’ papyrus is a compact papyrus plant that can grow up to three feet tall.
4. 4. Umbrella sedge: Umbrella sedge papyrus is a related species of Cyperus papyrus that grows between three and five feet tall. If you’re looking to add more height to your water garden or lawn, consider planting this species of papyrus.

You can use papyrus to decorate your landscape in a multitude of ways.

1. 1. Potted plant: If you like the look of papyrus but don’t want it growing openly across your lawn, you can pot your papyrus plant. Depending on the size of your papyrus plant, you can use a large or small pot. Potting your papyrus plant is a simple way to keep your papyrus plant contained. Be sure to water your papyrus regularly if you choose to pot it, as the soil can more easily dry out.
2. 2. Water garden: One of the most common ways to display papyrus plants is by adding them to a water garden. The tall stems and grassy heads of papyrus can fill in any open space in your garden. You can use them as a centerpiece or place them along a backyard pond or row of flowers.
3. 3. Rain garden: A rain garden is a low area of land that collects water. It’s a sustainable way to collect runoff and nutrients. As a water plant, papyrus thrives in rain gardens.
4. 4. Privacy plant: Some papyrus plants grow tall and thick, so they’re great for adding a wall of privacy to your yard. You can also consider using the papyrus as a backdrop for smaller, shorter plants.

A fast-growing plant that does best in USDA Hardiness Zones 8 to 10, papyrus is easy to plant outdoors and requires minimal care. The bloom period for this hardy plant is mid-to-late summer, so start planting in the spring.

1. 1. Choose a sunny area. While papyrus plants grow best in full sun, they can also grow in partial shade. In hotter climates, it’s best to grow your papyrus plants in partial sun areas, as the heat from the sun can dry out the leaves.
2. 2. Choose a spot with moist soil. Papyrus grows best in moist or boggy soils. Keep the soil pH slightly acidic-alkaline by adding compost and organic matter to the area. If the soil is typically dry, add an irrigation system and compost to the area to replenish the soil nutrients.
3. 3. Plant seeds near the surface. If you’re growing your papyrus from seed, place the seeds on the ground, then cover them in a thin layer of soil. Papyrus seeds take about one month to germinate.
4. 4. Plant mature plants deep in the ground. If you’re plating an existing papyrus plant, dig a hole in the ground about three feet deep. Using two hands, carefully place the papyrus plant in the ground and cover the roots with soil.
5. 5. Water your papyrus plants daily. Water your plants daily if you’re planting mature papyrus plants. If you’re planting papyrus seeds, you’ll want to avoid overwatering and may not need to water them every day to keep the soil consistently damp.
6. 6. Propagate your plants as needed. Propagation can help maintain the growth of your plants or extend the usefulness of one plant. You can propagate your papyrus plant by cutting the rhizomes into two or three groups. Repot the groups and grow them as new plants.

Grow your own garden with Ron Finley, the self-described "Gangster Gardener." Get the MasterClass Annual Membership and learn how to cultivate fresh herbs and vegetables, keep your house plants alive, and use compost to make your community—and the world—a better place.