Most of us know this plant as Umbrella Papyrus or Umbrella Grass. Whatever you call it, one thing is for sure: this plant absolutely loves water! In the wild, it thrives as a swamp plant, but it also makes a fantastic indoor companion if you can keep up with its thirst. Let’s dive into what it takes to keep your Umbrella Grass happy and green.
Potting Your Plant
To help your Umbrella Grass thrive indoors, you’ll need to pick the right container. I personally recommend clay or terracotta pots because they’re great at holding moisture and releasing it evenly. For the soil, go with a loamy, humus-rich mix that’s slightly acidic (a pH between 5 and 6.5 is the sweet spot).
Pro Tip:
Umbrella Grass is a perfect candidate for hydroponics. If you’re the type of plant parent who forgets to water, growing it in water alone is a total game-changer!
The Ideal Location
Most varieties we grow indoors hail from tropical or subtropical regions. Because of those roots, they crave plenty of light, warmth, and humidity.
- They’re happy in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 85°F (15-30°C).
- Keep humidity levels above 60% if possible.
- Place them near a window—they love bright light and can even handle direct sun.
Indoor Care and Maintenance
Even though it grows fast, this plant is actually pretty low-maintenance. The biggest rule? Never let it go thirsty. The root ball should stay wet at all times.
- Water regularly and generously.
- Keep standing water in the saucer or outer pot—this is one of the few plants that loves “wet feet!”
- From March to September, feed it every two weeks with a diluted fertilizer.
- Every March, repot your plant into a container about 2 inches (5 cm) larger.
- You only need to prune it if it starts getting too big for your space.
Pro Tip:
Want more of these beauties? It’s super easy to propagate them yourself. You can wait for the plant to produce offsets, or simply take a stem cutting. Place the cutting upside down in a glass of water until roots develop, then pot it up!
Dealing with Brown Tips and Pests
If the air gets too dry, your Umbrella Grass will let you know by developing brown tips. This is a common struggle in the winter when the heater is running. Dry air can also invite spider mites. To prevent this, mist your plant regularly and never let the soil dry out. It also helps to give the plant a little “winter break” in a slightly cooler room (around 60-65°F).
