Care of the aquatic plant Cyperus alternifolius or Umbrella papyrus |
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The genus Cyperus, family Cyperaceae, includes 700 species of annual and perennial plants distributed on all continents. Some species are: Cyperus alternifolius, Cyperus haspan, Cyperus papyrus, Cyperus gracilis, Cyperus longus, Cyperus diffusus, Cyperus esculentus. Common names: Umbrella papyrus, Umbrella sedge, Umbrella grass, Umbrella palm. This species is native to Madagascar. Cyperus alternifolius grows in very humid substrates, planted at the bottom of ponds and lakes. They can also be planted in a pot and placed under water. The stems are tall and thin and the thin leaves are similar to those of grasses. The flowers are tiny and appear in umbels. They bloom in summer. They need a full sun or semi-shade exposure. If they are grown indoors they need a bright location, but without direct sun; immerse the pot in a container containing water. It is easy to grow in a hydroculture system. The soil must be rich in humus that retains moisture. The ideal soil is a mixture of 1/3 of leaf mulch, 1/3 of peat and sand and 1/3 of fertilized garden substrate. The planting is done in spring. These plants are not usually attacked by pests or diseases. Drought is your worst enemy. They propagate in spring by division or by cuttings. |
Images of the aquatic plant Cyperus alternifolius or Umbrella papyrus |
 Cyperus alternifolius  Cyperus alternifolius  Cyperus alternifolius |