This plant is so tropical like and adds great texture to the garden or with planters! This species is commonly mistaken with the more popular kind which has leaves that are more thin and fine that droop. The other species is less cold hardy. This species is a dwarf, and matures to 4'-6' tall. It is hardy to USDA Zone 8. It will die back when temps reach freezing, but the roots survive to 10°F. Some report that is will survive near 0°F. It will grow from the roots in the Spring. Most people leave it as a houseplant, then bring it back outside in their gardens or planters. It does not require a dormant period, as it is a cold hardy tropical. I had it as a centerpiece with flowers around it over the summer! This plant grows from full sun to full shade. It prefers more shade than sun though. In full sun it will need more frequent watering in order to thrive. In winter in the home it is very easy to care for in low light. They are basically swamp plants. They grow in water. They die or get severely injured if let to completely dry out. Make sure the soil stays moist at all times. It loves sitting in completely saturated soils. In the winter have a plant saucers underneath the pot and fill the saucer full of water. This should make for less watering in the winter. Before you know it, you can transfer it back outside for the summer!
Propagating the Papyrus plant is extremely easy! You can propagate the other species the exact same, but the pictures and the only plant I used are of the "Alternifolius" species.
STEPS:
1. Cut branches off plant (leaving several inches of the stem for easy holding)
2. Cut back leaves as far back as you can (makes for easier planting)
3. Stick them upside down in a vase of water
4. Within a week or two, roots with new shoots should emerge.
5. Cut back branch stems
6. Plant in soil
7. Water thoroughly
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