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Home Page » Home & Garden » Gardening » Umbrella plant: Cyperus alternifolius

Umbrella plant: Cyperus alternifolius

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The grasslike foliage of this houseplant radiates from a central stalk like the ribs of an umbrella. Umbrella plant is a water plant, requiring constant wet "feet." It thrives in bright light or light shade, but avoid placing it in direct summer sun.

Profile

Plant typewater,house-plant
Hardiness zones10 to 11
Height2 ft. to 3 ft.
Spread up to 2 ft.6 in.
Habitupright
Soil moisturewet
Bloom timefall,summer
Flower coloryellow
Bloom size.5 in. to .5 in.
Foliage colormedium-green
Foliage size2 ft. to 2 ft.

did you know?

Umbrella plant is closely related to papyrus the paper plant of Biblical times.

general maintenance:

Groom plants, removing yellowed foliage. Repot annually, and if desired, divide plants to propagate when repotting.

pests/diseases:

Umbrella plant is relatively care free.

how to sow/plant:

Grow in a pot filled with an all-purpose potting mix. Set plants at same level they grew in previous pot. The soil level should be 1/2 to 1 inch below rim of pot to provide a water reservoir when watering. Umbrella plant needs its roots constantly moist: Place the pot in a saucer or larger pot filled with water.

water and fertilize:

Keep soil constantly moist. During growing season, feed monthly with houseplant fertilizer, following label directions. Stop feeding in winter, when the plant is resting, but resume feeding in spring as days lengthen.

features:

  • Attractive Flowers
  • Attractive Foliage
  • Wet Tolerant

garden uses:

  • Containers
  • Indoors

other uses:

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