Paperwhite / Paperwhite Narcissus

Narcissus papyraceus

description

Paperwhite is a fragrant narcissus commonly forced indoors for clusters of white winter flowers.

benefits

Flowering
Suitable for containers

warnings

Toxic to cats
Toxic to dogs

How to care for Paperwhite

sunlight

Paperwhites grow in open, sunny Mediterranean habitats. Indoors, give them a bright spot to support sturdy stems and abundant flowers.

Bright light, with gentle direct sun

Place near an east, south, or west window. A few hours of direct morning or winter sun is welcome; keep the bulbs cool and move them back from very hot glass if flowers fade quickly.

Turn the pot every few days so the flower stems grow more evenly toward the light.

watering

Keep the mix lightly and consistently moist while paperwhites are growing, but never leave the bulbs in soggy soil or standing water.

Growing and flowering

In a bright, warm room, check about every 3-5 days. Water when the top 1/2 inch of soil feels dry and the pot feels lighter, then let excess drain away. Cooler rooms, low light, large pots, and dense soil slow drying.

For bulbs grown in pebbles, keep the water level just below the bulb bases so roots can drink without the bulbs sitting in water.

After flowering

Keep watering lightly while the leaves remain green, usually checking roughly every 5-10 days. Let the surface dry slightly between drinks. Once the foliage yellows and dies back, stop watering and keep the bulbs dry.

Constantly wet soil can rot paperwhite bulbs quickly, especially in containers without drainage.

humidity

Preferred humidity

40-60%

Paperwhites grow through cool Mediterranean winters and cope well with normal household air. About 30-60% relative humidity is usually acceptable while they flower.

Keep them cool rather than making the air tropical - heat dries blooms faster.

If air stays below about 30%, leaf tips may turn brown and flowers can fade sooner, especially near radiators. Keep the compost evenly moist to rule out underwatering first.

When indoor air is very dry

Move the pot away from heating vents and radiators.
Run a small humidifier nearby if the room is persistently dry.
Give the plants space for gentle airflow, especially if several pots are grouped together.

temperature

Growing and flowering

13-18°C (55-65°F)

Paperwhites grow during the mild, cool Mediterranean winter. A bright, cool room keeps stems sturdier and flowers fresh longer; sustained warmth above 21°C (70°F) can make growth lanky and shorten the display.

For longer-lasting blooms, keep the pot away from radiators, sunny heat, and cold exterior doors, ideally around 13-18°C (55-65°F).

nutrition

September - April

Forced indoor paperwhites usually need no fertilizer while blooming because the bulb stores the energy for flowers. If you are keeping bulbs after flowering, feed a balanced liquid fertilizer at about half strength every 4-6 weeks while the leaves are green and growing. Stop once foliage yellows and the bulbs rest.

Nitrogen

Nitrogen supports healthy leaves after flowering, helping the bulb rebuild reserves. A light, balanced feed is enough - heavy feeding makes soft growth and will not improve the current display.

Water first, then fertilize only damp soil to protect the roots and avoid salt buildup in the pot.

soil

Loose, well-draining soil

Paperwhite bulbs need air around their roots and should never sit in soggy compost. Use a standard potting mix loosened with perlite, grit, or coarse sand, in a pot with drainage holes.

pH 6,0 - 7,5

This is slightly acidic to mildly alkaline, a range most quality indoor potting mixes naturally provide. Avoid strongly acidic mixes and refresh old, compacted compost before planting.

Choose a pot only a little wider than the bulb cluster, so excess compost does not stay wet for too long.