The plant is native to Madagascar, the Arabian Peninsula, and many East African states (Ethiopia, Eritrea, Malawi, Mozambique, Sudan, Somalia, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe). Dwarf Umbrella Palm is a tropical bog plant that looks great in or out of the pond. A tall, evergreen, spreading sedge. The flowers grow in dense clusters at the tip of the stems, between the leafy bracts. While Cyperus involucratus is easily grown in the regular potting soil, it thrives in rich peaty soil containing 2 parts moss to 1 part sand to 1 part loam and is wet and boggy. Propagating Cyperus alternifolius from cuttings is very,very easy. Cyperus (Cyperus alternifolius) is the plant to grow if you never quite get it right when you water your plants, as it requires a constant moisture at the roots and cannot be over watered. Stiff stems and whorls of delicate umbrella-like leaf clusters combine in fun, airy, tropical plant architecture. For pots, place the pot in a saucer that is always filled with water. Apply a half dilution of fertilizer once per month during the growing season and suspend in winter. Article by Plant Care Today. Dwarf Umbrella Palm is a delightful pond plant and is an exciting way to bring an exotic vibe to your pond! The main concern about Cyperus houseplants is the moisture level and consistency. How do you grow an umbrella plant in water? A compact, grassy sight. Umbrella palm (Cyperus alternifolius) is a tropical plant that is hardy to Zone 7 that can grow to almost six feet in height. Grows well in both standing water (up to 4” inches) and in bog plant soils. Umbrella palm (Cyperus alternifolius) A saucer full of water is not always enough for the umbrella palm or umbrella papyrus ( Cyperus alternifolius ). As with all the cyperus plants it is viviparous and will grow new plants from the junction of the leaf and stem. Many gardeners choose to cut the roots to limit them to a particular area. Aquatic umbrella plant (Cyperus alternifolius) is a fast growing, low maintenance plant marked by stiff stems topped with strappy, umbrella-like leaves. Fertilize the plant once a month, during active growth. Since cyperus papyrus is a semi-aquatic plant, it requires an adequate amount of water for proper growth. It has symmetrically arranged leaves atop long slender stems, which can add an ornamental touch to your garden. This semi-aquatic plant is a natural air humidifier, drinking up water like a fish, then releasing the majority of this water to the air, to … Umbrella plants are native to the swamps of Madagascar. These plants can grow to … How Do You Use Diatomaceous Earth For Caterpillar Control? They are initially green but turn brown when they get mature. Cyperus alternifolius is frequently cultivated as an ornamental plant worldwide. The Cyperus Alternifolius is a common houseplant which is a native of Madagascar. It is propagated by dividing the roots and requires copious amounts of water. United States hardiness zone 8 – 11 (USDA Zone). While paper comes to mind first … Dwarf Umbrella Palm (Cyperus alternifolius 'gracilis') This smaller variety of the umbrella palm plant that only grows to about 2' tall. 1. By entering your email address you agree to receive a daily email newsletter from Plant Care Today. Place the cuttings up side down in a plastic container. The foliage consists of long strap like leaves at the top of the stems forming the characteristic umbrella. The plant produces light green leaves where the leaflets are growing from the same spot . By: Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist. Use a planting mix rich in peat to provide an acidic medium. Yellow nut sedge, the pesky lawn weed, is familiar to most Arkansans. Care & Maintenance: Umbrella Plant Umbrella Plant (Cyperus Alternifolius) - Grow this unique, tropical plant from Umbrella Plant seeds! Plant Common Name. Also called the Umbrella Palm or Umbrella Grass Plant, this unusual perennial prefers to be kept wet at all times. Cats are especially fond of the bright green blades. Cyperus alternifolius 'Gracilis' Add To My Wish List . You can choose a special aquatic plant soil mix. Propagation through cuttings is considered the most efficient and reliable method, and there are several methods of doing it. First of all cut off the top of a healthy stalk leaving about 4 inches (10cms) of stem. Puʻukaʻa is non-invasive and a beautiful addition to Japanese-style gardens, especially when surrounded by river rock or black cinder. The plant doesn’t mind getting a bit submerged in water. The easy way to do achieve so is to put the pot in a plate filled with water; lazier gardeners will simply leave the pot in a bowl large enough to contain it that is then filled with water. 1. 3. Propagation is possible through crown division in spring. The riparian plants thrive in boggy conditions or even with roots fully submerged in water. There is just one golden rule for success with these plants – keep the roots constantly wet. This is why it is often grown as a pond plant. What started as one stem and small portion of root has grown in extremely dry areas. The plant must continuously bathe in water. Bright green parasols of narrow leaves top each stem. It typically grows to 18” – 48” inches in height; however, occasionally, it can grow up to 5’ feet. Cyperus alternifolius (Umbrella Papyrus, Umbrella Plant) Umbrella plant is a favorite element in tropical or subtropical pond- side gardens. The greatest concern for the umbrella papyrus is spider mite. While it can grow in full sun, the harsh sun rays can cause scorching of the leaves. A mix comprised of two parts peat, one part loam and one part sand provides a perfect housing for the aquatic roots. Is The Peperomia Plant Poisonous To Cats? Care for an umbrella plant indoors follows that of outdoor plants but is also similar to any tropical houseplant. cyperus papyrus Zones CS, TS; USDA 9-11. Cyperus umbrella plants are best suited to a moist, warm outdoor environment, but are adaptable to the home. This attractive plant grows quickly and requires little care. We'll respect your privacy and unsubscribe at any time. General Description. This garden plant loves moist soil works great in water gardens with partial shade. When grown as a houseplant, the best way to ensure the plants’ water requirements is to place the pot in a plate or bowl filled with water. Umbrella plants work well in small ponds or tub gardens and are especially beautiful when planted behind water lilies or other smaller aquatic plants. It is thus perfectly suited to ponds and embankments. The name for this plant comes from the arrangement of the leaves at the ends of the stems. Propagation of an umbrella papyrus is done in a number of ways – through seeds, division, and cuttings. Cyperus alternifolius Numerous winged, dark green stems each bear a terminal whorl of 11-25 deep green, arching, leaf-like bracts, 10-15cm long. The green-colored leafy bracts grow into a circle looking like an umbrella. Umbrella Palm (Cyperus alternifolius) Umbrella Palm is a very popular accent plant for the water garden. One way to achieve this is to put the potted plant inside another pot with water at the root level. Miniature Umbrella Plant foliage. You may hear it called by its common names including: C. alternifolius is a semi-aquatic (like variegated Acorus gramineus), perennial, grass-like plant hardy to USDA zones 9-12. It also needs some pruning to remove the dying leaves and stems as they look unattractive. Umbrella houseplants will need moist, warm conditions such as those around an indoor pond. The umbrella houseplants must never be allowed to dry out. Suitable for water gardens and makes a good container plant. Alternate Papyrus, Umbrella Papyrus, Umbrella Plant. I have grown Umbrella Palm (Cyperus alternifolius) at several homes. As such, the plant is not hardy and can only tolerate outdoor living in the tropical to sub-tropical zones of the United States. It’s suggested to use it as a water plant. Cyperus is one of the most widely cultivated landscape plants grown as a background plant, accent plant, or incorporated into a water feature. This upright, evergreen, grass-like perennial is native to Madagascar. If things are too dark it will tell you by producing very few new shoots. The tall stems have umbrellas of radiating bracts that look like leaves (the true leaves clasp the stem so closely you can hardly see them), giving the plant an oriental appearance. Mostly, sedges grow in boggy sites where there is moist soil or even free-standing water. As the new plant stem grows out of the water surface, it will develop roots as well as new leaflets. The pale brown flowers appear in the mid summer. The smaller, indigenous C. albostriatus (Dwarf umbrella sedge, forest sedge) reaches 600 mm in height. Prune off dead stems as necessary and fertilize annually with a diluted liquid plant food. In colder climates, umbrella palm will over-winter if brought indoors and positioned near a … It is hardy to USDA Zones: 9a-11b. The leaves of the umbrella papyrus plant are also reduced to long sheaths. Put the plant in a bright spot, but away from direct sunlight. Lovely green plants grow about 2 feet tall and have green, narrow, leafy, foliage on the top of the stems. A perfect companion to broad-leaf tropicals such as Colocasia. Cyperus umbrella plants are in a family of over 600 grass-like plants, most of which are native to the east coast of Africa and tropical zones. Always keep the potting soil moist, without letting the roots stand in water. Papyrus is a plant native to marsh areas, which explains its constant need for water. CYPERUS alternifolius. Umbrella Grass (Cyperus alternifolius / Papyrus) Guide Umbrella Grass or Cyperus papyrus is an easy care houseplant that is almost impossible to be killed by overwatering. The simplest way is to remove a whole stem of the plant and cut it, using a pair of sharp scissors, to around 4” inches in length. However, they are easily controlled by spraying the plant with neem oil insecticide. Cyperus Alternifolius (Umbrella Papyrus) perennial, grass-like plant, multiple upright long and slender stems, leafy bracts look like an umbrella. Umbrella Papyrus is not finicky about care other than watering. If you are a gardener in zones below USDA hardiness zone 8, you can grow this fascinating plant inside. Remove the seed heads (optional) and trim the leaves slightly. Watch for splashing on the leaves, as fungal diseases can spread in this manner. 5.5 to 6.5 is the preferred soil pH range. Plantcaretoday.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. 231. The Cyperus umbrella prefers a warm, humid environment and grows best in part shade. The plant grows long roots, and when it is planted in pots, the roots often grow out of them and invade the bowl or the plate below it. Upright, evergreen perennial is native to Madagascar. When the new growth stem has developed a reasonable set of roots, take the cutting out of the water and remove the newly formed stem from the old one and plant it into a pot filled with potting compost. Homemade Spider Mite Killer On Plants [Organic Remedies]. One thing to note here is the papyrus can even tolerate severe cutting of roots, and it will not cause any harm to the plant. Preferably in spring. Tips On Growing Sansevieria Golden Hahnii. Over 600 species are described worldwide with more than 30 species found in Arkansas. Sign up for our newsletter. The umbrella plant is a sedge and a member of the ancient Papyrus family. Cyperus Alternifolius Care: Tips On Growing The Umbrella Papyrus Cyperus alternifolius [sy-PEER-us, al-tern-ee-FOH-lee-us] is one of the most popular houseplants from the sedge family Cyperaceae.