Propagating papyrus isn’t rocket science! With a few pro tips, even beginner gardeners can pull it off. There are two main ways to get the job done:
- Dividing the roots
- Growing from cuttings (offsets)
What do you need to get started?
No matter which method you choose, you’ll need a strong, healthy mother plant. Remember: your new plant will only be as vigorous as the one it came from, so pick your best specimen!
How do you propagate papyrus by division?
The best time to divide your papyrus is in late spring, once the threat of frost has passed. This is usually the same time you’d move your papyrus from its winter shelter back out to the garden to be planted. It’s super efficient to knock out both tasks at once!
Papyrus roots are made of fast-spreading rhizomes, which makes them very easy to split. Just follow these steps:
- Grab a sharp knife and give it a good cleaning.
- Slice the root ball right down the middle.
- If the plant is huge, feel free to divide those halves again.
- Gently loosen up the root ball with your hands.
- Plant your new sections in their new homes.
Since papyrus is a marsh plant, it’s incredibly thirsty. Make sure to give it a deep soak both before and after you divide it.
How do you grow papyrus from cuttings?
If you decide to grow cuttings, you’ll need a little more patience. This method is especially popular for “False Papyrus” (Umbrella Palm). It takes quite a bit longer for a cutting to turn into a robust plant compared to division. Early summer is the ideal time to start this process.
Find a healthy stalk and cut it about 2 inches below the leafy head. Place the cutting about an inch deep into a pot filled with lean seed-starting mix and give it plenty of water. These cuttings need a warm, humid environment to sprout roots. If you don’t have a mini greenhouse, you can just pop a clear plastic bag over the pot. Just be sure to air it out daily so you don’t run into any mold issues!
