How To Grow And Care For A Paperwhite Narcissus Plant

Paperwhite flowers are a beautiful addition to any garden or indoor space. Their delicate, pure white flowers and distinctive fragrance make them a favorite among gardeners and flower enthusiasts alike. However, maintaining these beautiful flowers can be challenging. If not properly cared for, paperwhites can become leggy and unsightly. Read on to discover how to keep paperwhites from getting leggy in 2021.

Plant Attributes

Paperwhite flowers are a species of Narcissus, a genus that contains over 50 species of flowering plants. They are native to the Mediterranean region but are now grown worldwide as ornamental plants. Paperwhites are known for their beautiful, white, star-shaped flowers and sweet, musky fragrance. They grow from a bulb and typically grow 12 to 18 inches tall.

Plant Care

To keep your paperwhite flowers healthy and thriving, it's important to give them the proper care. Here are some tips for caring for your paperwhites:

Planting: Paperwhite bulbs can be planted indoors or outdoors. If planting outdoors, they should be planted in well-drained soil in a sunny or partially shaded location. If planting indoors, use a container with well-drained soil and place it in a sunny, warm location.
Watering: Water paperwhite bulbs regularly, but do not overwater them. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Fertilizing: Paperwhite bulbs do not require fertilization. However, if you want to encourage healthy growth and flowering, you can fertilize with a low-concentration, balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Light: Paperwhite bulbs require bright, indirect light to grow and thrive. If growing indoors, place your container near a sunny window or use a grow light.

Pruning

Pruning is an important part of maintaining healthy paperwhite flowers. Regular pruning helps to remove any damaged or diseased leaves, stems, or flowers, which can lead to legginess. To prune your paperwhites, start by removing any dead, yellow or brown leaves or stems. Next, cut back the flower stem to just above the foliage. This will help to promote healthy growth and prevent legginess.

Propagation

To propagate paperwhites, you can either divide the bulbs or plant bulb offsets. Dividing the bulbs involves digging up the bulbs and separating them into smaller clusters. Planting bulb offsets involves planting the small bulbs that grow off the main bulb.

Potting & Repotting

Paperwhites grow well in containers and can be moved indoors or outdoors depending on your preference. When potting or repotting paperwhites, use a container with drainage holes and well-drained soil. To repot paperwhites, gently lift the bulbs from the soil and separate any new bulbs that have formed. Plant the new bulbs in fresh soil and water regularly.

Common Pests & Plant Disease

Paperwhites are generally resistant to pests and plant disease. However, they can occasionally be affected by spider mites or narcissus bulb flies. To prevent infestations, keep your paperwhites healthy and well-watered.

Common Problems

Leggy paperwhites are a common problem, but they can usually be corrected by following the above tips. If your paperwhites are still leggy despite proper care, try placing them in a cooler location or reducing the amount of light they receive. Other common problems with paperwhites include yellowing leaves, which can be a sign of overwatering or pest infestations.

If you notice yellowing leaves, adjust your watering routine and look for signs of pests. Conclusion Paperwhite flowers are a beautiful addition to any garden or indoor space. With the proper care, they can stay healthy and vibrant all year round. By following the above tips, you can keep your paperwhites from getting leggy and ensure they continue to be a beautiful addition to your home or garden.