Papyrus

Family Cyperaceae (sedges). The genus bears the ancient Greek name of this plant. More than 400 species are distributed across all climatic zones of the globe. It is found in excessively wet habitats.

Cyperus, or syt, belongs to the sedge family and in the wild grows in tropical and subtropical regions. Its erect, three-angled stems are crowned with umbels of beautifully curved long grassy leaves. From April to September, depending on the species, Cyperus blooms, producing in the centers of the umbels small greenish, later brownish spikelets resembling cereal spikes.

It is used to decorate aquariums and shaded spots indoors. In houseplant cultivation one more often encounters alternate-leaved Cyperus with narrow leaflets up to 1 m long and more spreading Cyperus with broader leaves and stem heights up to 70 cm. The edible Cyperus that forms tubers is encountered rather rarely. Also uncommon is the Cyperus papyrus, very tall and difficult in indoor culture.

Location of papyrus: This marsh, undemanding plant grows well indoors in bright light but not in direct sunlight, and also in partial shade. In summer it is desirable to place it outdoors. Cyperus is not demanding about temperature, but in winter it should not be below 12°C. Cyperus is a marsh plant, so it is better kept in a tray with water, near an aquarium. It grows successfully in both warm and cool rooms. It can tolerate bright light or partial shade, but requires protection from direct sun in summer.

Watering papyrus: Cyperus requires abundant soil moisture, without drainage. In summer it is kept in trays with water; in winter watering is reduced.

Transplanting papyrus: When the roots fill the entire pot, it should be repotted into a larger container in spring. The mix for Cyperus should be made of equal parts peat and humus soil with the addition of marsh silt.