How to cultivate the false papyrus

How to cultivate the false papyrus

The false papyrus (Cyperus alternifolius L.) is a perennial marsh plant of the Cyperaceae family. It is a species that is widespread in the wetlands of sub-Saharan Africa and is systematically close to the actual papyrus (Cyperus papyrus).
The plant is characterized by having tall, thin stems that bear radiating leaves similar to the sticks of an open umbrella. In the center, in summer, the brown branched inflorescences appear with a flowering period between June and September. The height of the plant above the water level can reach 180 – 200 cm.
In this sheet we will see how to grow the false papyrus considering that the plant can survive and vegetate in a half-shade position, but to ensure proper growth it is preferable to put it in a very bright (even sunny) position. Avoid too much ventilated areas that could break the stems. The plant also has a good resistance to frost; it can withstand temperatures of -10 ° C, but the roots are afraid of ice, so if grown in colder areas it must be cultivated at a depth of at least 20 cm to avoid contact with ice, or you need to be able to recover in environments protected the plant in the winter period.

The false papyrus is multiplied by an agamic way through cuttings and in a very simple way; shortens a stem removed from the plant at a length of 10-20 cm. This is reversed and immersed in a container of water, having the foresight to halve even the length of the foliage. From the attachment of the leaves they will grow before the roots and then the shoots. Later, everything can be transplanted into the ground. The plant can be grown both in moist soil and in water up to -20 cm deep.
For its cultivation, keep in mind that the substratum must always be kept very humid, with daily summer watering, according to the environmental temperatures it is subjected to. If grown in pots, and if it is not impermeable, always a little water must always be present in the saucer. Being however a marsh plant, it can also be cultivated in hydroculture or inserted inside aquariums or terrariums, which in this case must necessarily be without a lid.
It is a plant that requires a considerable consumption of water: the plant can contribute to increasing the humidity of the air in apartment environments.
In case it is cultivated in pot it is necessary to equip itself with pots of the following characteristics and dimensions: 35×35 cm perforated square basket or 45 cm diameter round tub (this is to facilitate any winter shelter).