Consulta Plantas

Care of the bulbous plant Narcissus tazetta or Paperwhite

The genus Narcissus, family Amaryllidaceae, comprises 50 species and numerous varieties of bulbous plants native to the Mediterranean region, China and Central Asia. Some species are: Narcissus tazetta, Narcissus campernelli, Narcissus poeticus, Narcissus rupicola, Narcissus broussonetii, Narcissus papyraceus, Narcissus romieuxii, Narcissus fernandessi.

Common names: Chinese sacred lily, Joss flower, Cream narcissus, Bunch-flowered daffodil, Polyanthus narcissus, Paperwhite. This species is native to the Mediterranean region.

They are bulbous plants with tapered blue-green leaves that can be flat or ribbed. They produce bouquets of scented and beautiful flowers of white, yellow or both colors. They bloom in early spring but are often forced to bloom in winter.

They are used in borders combined with other bulbous ones such as Tulips, Hyacinths, Muscaris, etc. They are also used in pots for terraces or as a houseplant and greenhouse. When grown indoors, they usually flower only once so the bulbs are not stored.

The Narcissus tazetta needs a sunny or semi-shady exposure and a temperate-cold climate (a temperature of 16-18 ºC/61-64 ºF favors flowering).

The soil can be a mixture, in equal parts, of coarse sand, leaf mulch, and peat. The planting of the bulbs is done at the beginning of autumn.

Water frequently during the growing season but without flooding. When the flowers wither they are cut and watering is reduced. Wait for the leaves to dry completely, dig up the bulbs and store them in a dark, dry and cool place.

They do not need fertilizers.

Too much water can rot the bulb.

They are propagated by separating suckers from the mother plant during the dormant period or from seeds (they will take 3-5 years to flower); it is advisable to buy the bulbs in nurseries or garden centers.

Images of the bulbous plant Narcissus tazetta or Paperwhite