Papyrus Plant Facts

Characteristics

• Papyrus is a robust plant with long bushy foliage that grows in large clusters. The stems can be 12 to 15 feet long and have grasslike leaves and feathery tips, or spikes, that are topped with a small flower. These flowers are present for most of the year and are yellowish brown. Papyrus also produces small, dark-gray fruits that resemble nuts. The stems have a white pith, which can be removed, compressed and dried to make papyrus paper.

Environment

• In its native habitat in northern and eastern Africa, the papyrus papyrus plant is usually found in wet marshlands, where it grows so thickly that it often prevents navigation of lakes and rivers. In the United States, the plant does well in USDA zones 9 to 11, although it can also be grown in zone 8 with proper care. Freezes will kill the top of the plants, but roots should survive if they are grown in mulch or underwater, according to Floridata.

Culture

• Growing papyrus is easy in the right conditions. In fact, according to Floridata, it can be invasive when grown in water, so be sure to plant it in containers if you use papyrus for pond or pool landscaping. Keep in mind that papyrus may grow as tall as 15 feet and has a spreading habit, so allow plenty of room for growth. Papyrus is very sensitive to cold temperatures, so bring it indoors and store it in a sunny, humid location, like a kitchen or bathroom.

Propagation

• If you just can't get enough of your papyrus plant, you can easily propagate it by dividing it into clumps and transplanting them in the spring. Be sure to keep the roots underwater during the transplant or keep the soil very wet. Dividing papyrus clumps is also a good way to improve the appearance of the plant, which can become tangled and unkempt when stalks are abundant. According to Botany.com, you can also stratify seeds and grow papyrus from them.