Native to the marshy areas of Africa, papyrus (Cyperus papyrus) has played a fundamental role in history, as it was from this plant that the ancient Egyptians obtained the material on which to write and draw. Papyrus, however, is also a beautiful plant, characterized by long stems and flowers similar to dandelions. To give a touch of style and elegance to your home, you can therefore decide to grow papyrus at home. That’s how.
The long history of papyrus
Papyrus has a long history dating back to ancient Egypt, where it was used not only as writing material but also to create objects, from those of common use to boats. Papyrus, in particular, is native to the Nile River, where it could enjoy sun all day, a lot of humidity and, above all, a large quantity of water.
Already in ancient times, papyrus had already spread to many other regions, such as southern Italy, Spain or other hot countries in the Middle East or Africa. In general it is one adaptable plant which, after centuries of incredible usefulness, is coming back into fashion to decorate the rooms of the house. Its enormous diffusion is also the basis of many of the legends and beliefs about this plant, which was also used in the past for medicinal purposes.
What type of papyrus to grow?
Choosing the variety of papyrus is the first fundamental step in starting cultivation at home. The Cyperus papyrus, known for its long, thin, slightly curved leaves, is one of the most popular varieties for its ability to create a crown composed of numerous leaves that give an elegant and light appearance. On the other hand, the Cyperus alternifoliuscommonly called false papyrusstands out for its luxuriant foliage and for adapting well to closed spaces, given that the maximum height it reaches is approximately 180 cm.
The best strategies for growing papyrus at home
To successfully grow papyrus at home, it is crucial to replicate the conditions of its natural environment as closely as possible. The ideal location for your papyrus plant is a well-lit area of the house, preferably in the garden. Naturally, the ideal would be to shelter the leaves during the hottest hours of summer days, placing the vase in partial shade. Also to be avoided excessive cold. Some species survive down to -10 degrees, although the roots should always be kept warm.
The key element for the growth of papyrus is water: this plant loves moist soil. It is advisable to use vases with water reserve or saucers where the water can stagnate without the roots being completely immersed, thus avoiding the risk of rot. Also, during the warmer months, it is useful mist the leaves regularly to increase the surrounding humidity and reproduce the typical humidity of marshy areas. It is advisable to spray in the morning or late afternoon to allow the leaves to dry before the cooler hours of the night arrive.
The importance of correct fertilization
Fertilization plays a vital role in the life cycle of papyrus, providing the nutrients needed for optimal growth. The ideal season to fertilize the plant is spring or summer. In conjunction with increased irrigation, you can spread a little granular fertilizer (2 or maximum 3 applications per year).
The use of the must be more frequent liquid fertilizer, which can also be mixed with the water you use to water the plant. In this case, one application every two weeks in spring and summer will be enough. During the winter the frequency can be reduced to once a month.
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