False papyrus in a pot
False papyrus in a pond
False papyrus in bloom
False papyrus stem
Contents
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
Cyperus alternifolius, the false papyrus
Contents
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
Not all papyrus grows on the banks of the Nile. Cyperus alternifolius, or false papyrus, is native to East Africa and Madagascar. It has the same umbels of evergreen leaves, but its more modest growth habit makes it a suitable ornamental plant for garden ponds and bathrooms.
How to recognize false papyrus, Cyperus alternifolius?
Cyperus alternifolius is an upright perennial. Smaller than papyrus (Cyperus papyrus), it doesn't grow more than three meters high. In our latitudes, in pots or outdoors, it grows to between 50 centimetres and 1.5 metres in height.
The plant grows from a short, creeping rhizome. Cyperus alternifolius multiplies rapidly thanks to its underground roots. It can spread over more than a square metre. The green stems, called culms, are cylindrical, almost triangular and erect.
Each stem is topped by an umbel of narrow, linear leaves. The leaf blades are arranged spirally in three rows. The botanical variety has plain, dark-green foliage. Cyperus alternifolius variegata, however, has green and white leaf blades.
False papyrus blooms between May and September. It bears dozens of yellow or white flowers on spikelets.
Cyperus alternifolius is non-toxic to humans and animals. The zumula variety is even sold as catnip.
Our maintenance tips
Watering
Cyperus alternifolius likes its feet in water. Its root ball must always remain moist. Water before the soil dries on the surface, using water at room temperature. Preferably use rainwater.
To limit the risk of water stress, plant your False papyrus in a container with a water reserve. Don't have one? Place the pot on a saucer filled with water. This way, your plant will be able to drink by capillary action.
Spray
In its natural environment, cyperus alternifolius benefits fromhigh humidity. To make your plant feel at home in your home, regularly mist the top and bottom of the foliage with non-calcareous water at room temperature.
Repotting
In spring, transfer your Cyperus alternifolius to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.
Get a deep, heavy pot. This way, your False papyrus will remain stable and won't topple over when its stems reach their final height. It's best to choose a pot with a water reserve, to limit water stress. If you don't have one, you can make do with a pierced pot.
Pour in a layer of potting soil for aquatic plants. Plant cyperus alternifolius in the center. Fill in with substrate, tamp and water generously.
If you've used a pierced pot without a reservoir, place it on a saucer filled with water.
Fertilization
You can stimulate the development of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.
Apply a liquid fertilizer for green plants to stimulate growth.
Prune
To encourage the growth of your False papyrus, prune regularly.
Remove dry stems using a clean, sharp tool (pruning shears, scissors, etc.).
Plantation
Once the last spring frosts have passed, you can plant.
To plant cyperus alternifolius in a pond, use a perforated plastic basket. Line it with burlap to let the water through, but retain the soil. Place a layer of pozzolan or small pebbles at the bottom to hold the fabric in place.
Pour in potting soil for aquatic plants. Plant your subject in the center, then fill in with substrate. Pack and cover the surface with gravel or pozzolan. This will prevent fish from exploring the soil.
Choose a sunny spot, sheltered from the wind. Make a basket-sized hole 20 or 30 centimetres deep in your pond. Plant your False papyrus in its basket.
Cutting
Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
Dig up the plant. Locate a rhizome with several stems. Separate it from the other roots. You can use your hands or a clean, sharp tool adapted to the size of the plant.
Re-pot your cutting in a tray with a water reservoir or in a pierced pot. Use a deep model so that the plant doesn't topple over.
Pour in a layer of potting soil for aquatic plants. Plant your cutting in the center. Add substrate and tamp down. Water generously.
Cyperus alternifolius like to have their feet in water. Fill the reservoir of your pot with water. If you've chosen a pierced pot, place it in a saucer full of water.
Diseases / Threats
Information
| Family | Cyperaceae - Cyperaceae |
| Type | Yellow nutsedge - Cyperus |
| Species | False papyrus - Cyperus alternifolius |
| Lifecycle | Perennial |
| Foliage | Evergreen |
| Exposure | |
| Substrats | |
| Planting methods |
Open ground In pots In tubs |
| Categories | |
| Tags |
Fritillary Soiffarde |
| Origin |
East Africa |
| Hardiness (USDA) | 10b |
| Leaf color |
|
| Flower colors |
|
Discover plants from the same family
Papyrus
Discover
Find out more
