Papyrus help - again

Discussion in 'Tropical Gardening' started by NIKKI D, Sep 20, 2011.

  1. NIKKI D

    NIKKI D Apprentice Gardener

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    We are now coming to that time of year when I need to think about brining in my papyrus plants. At the beginning of the yearI was convinced both plants were beyond saving but took a deep breath and cut them really short. They've been spectacular! I was so chuffed that they had come through so well

    In the past I have brought them into the house wholesale and struggled with the mass of foilaige until it's safe to put them out again the following year. Should I cut them right back before bringning them in this year or wait until it's time to return them to the big outdoors in spring?

    TIA
     
  2. PeterS

    PeterS Total Gardener

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    NIKKI - I am in the same position, so would like to know the answer too.

    But one thing I did learn from last year was not to leave them in a saucer of water, and to give them as much light as possible. I am tempted to say that if you leave the foliage on, it will die back naturally if it wants too. But as I don't know - I won't. :D
     
  3. NIKKI D

    NIKKI D Apprentice Gardener

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    That is what i have been doing for the many years I've had them but after overwintering them last year they looked really forlorn so I took the advice of folk here, gritted my teeth and cut them back to almost nothing. They've been quite splendid all summer and I was so pleased with how they grew back. Previous years I've left the foliage on, and struggled to house such big plants and the usual result is that we start the new growing season with some very sorry looking plants. I just wondered if there was any mileage in cutting them back before bringing them indoors
     
  4. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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    I've never grown this, but I get the impression its quite a tough plant, just tender temperature wise, if that makes sense.

    I would think it would just lie dormant if dried out to some extent , kept cool and cut back.

    But I'm only guessing.:)
     
  5. NIKKI D

    NIKKI D Apprentice Gardener

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    I think I'll risk it. In the Spring I did much the same, just cut it back and crossed my fingers and it has never looked better. Previous years I've just put the entire thing on a window sill without cutting back but both plants are so enormous now I don't think I've a windowsill big enough LOL
     
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