Taking cuttings is a classic way to expand your plant family, but when it comes to Papyrus, there’s a little catch. If you’re dealing with “True Papyrus,” your chances of success with cuttings are actually pretty slim. However, other popular varieties are total rockstars when it comes to propagating this way!
Which Papyrus varieties work best for cuttings?
If you have a True Papyrus, your best bet for propagation is actually dividing the roots. It’s super easy, the plant handles it like a champ, and you’re almost guaranteed success. On the other hand, varieties often called “Umbrella Papyrus” or “Cyperus” (sometimes known as False Papyrus) are perfect candidates for growing from cuttings.
How do you grow a Papyrus cutting?
Timing is everything! The best time to take your cuttings is right at the start of summer. Make sure you’re picking stems from a strong, healthy “mother” plant. Snip off a few stems about 2 inches (5 cm) below the leafy bracts at the top. From there, you have two easy ways to get those roots growing:
- In a small pot with seed-starting soil
- In a glass of water
If you decide to go straight into soil, bury the cutting about an inch deep. If you prefer the water method, just wait until you see a healthy cluster of roots before moving the cutting into a pot. Either way, these guys love a warm, humid environment. A quick tip: keep a spray bottle handy and mist the stems regularly to keep them happy.
Wait until the following year—specifically after the last frost in spring—before planting your new Papyrus out in the garden. Keep in mind that Papyrus isn’t frost-hardy, so for overwintering, you’ll need to keep it in a pot and bring it inside to a cozy, warm spot.
Are there other ways to propagate?
For True Papyrus, the gold standard is root division in late spring. This works great for Umbrella Grass, too! Just dig up the entire plant and carefully slice the root ball into two or more sections. Just make sure every piece has at least one healthy stem attached. After that, simply replant your new divisions wherever you’d like them to grow!
