How to Grow Paperwhites: A StepbyStep Visual Guide

How to Grow Paperwhites?

To grow paperwhites, use a 3-4 inch deep bowl or shallow container without drainage holes.

Fill the container with crushed rock or decorative stones, then pack the paperwhite bulbs into the container and push them down into the stones.

Add water until it just covers the bottom of the bulbs.

Keep the bulbs in a cool, dark room for several weeks until roots have formed and shoots start to sprout.

Place the containers in a cool, sunny location and in 4-6 weeks, the tiny blossoms will appear.

Paperwhites do not require a cold-temperature treatment and can be grown indoors in pots or vases with bright but indirect sunlight.

Keep the soil moist but not soggy and do not overwater, as they are sensitive to water.

Lastly, paperwhites do not need fertilizer and do not require pruning.

They are easy to grow and are suitable for beginning gardeners.

Key Points:

Here are the steps formatted as markdown

  • Use a 3-4 inch deep bowl or shallow container without drainage holes
  • Fill container with crushed rock or decorative stones
  • Add water until it just covers the bottom of the bulbs
  • Keep bulbs in a cool, dark room for several weeks until roots and shoots form
  • Place containers in a cool, sunny location for 4-6 weeks until blossoms appear
  • Keep soil moist but not soggy, and do not overwater. No fertilizer or pruning needed


Did You Know?

1. Did you know that paperwhites, a type of narcissus flower, are toxic to cats? It’s important to keep them out of reach of our feline friends to avoid any potential health hazards.

2. Paperwhites belong to the Amaryllidaceae family, which includes popular flowering plants like daffodils and snowdrops. This family is known for its vibrant blooms and delightful fragrance.

3. While paperwhites are commonly associated with the holiday season due to their beautiful white flowers, they actually originated from the Mediterranean region, specifically the shores of the eastern Mediterranean and the western coast of the Iberian Peninsula.

4. Did you know that paperwhites have been historically linked with Narcissus, a figure in Greek mythology? According to the myth, Narcissus was so beautiful that he fell in love with his own reflection in a pool of water. When he realized he couldn’t be with his reflection, he died of heartbreak and transformed into a paperwhite flower.

5. Although paperwhites are often grown indoors as potted plants, they can also thrive outdoors in warm climates. With the right care, including well-drained soil and proper sunlight exposure, you can enjoy these delicate flowers in your garden year-round.

Indoor Potting: Growing Paperwhites in Pots

Paperwhites are winter-flowering perennial bulbs that are commonly grown indoors in pots. Their white blooms are perfect for decorating during the Christmas season, adding a touch of elegance to any space. Growing paperwhites in pots is a fast and easy project, suitable for beginning gardeners.

To get started, you will need:

  • A 3-4 inch deep bowl or shallow container without drainage holes.
  • Crushed rock, pebbles, or other decorative stones.
  • Paperwhite bulbs.

Begin by filling the container with your choice of crushed rock, pebbles, or decorative stones. This will provide support for the paperwhite bulbs as they grow, since they do not require soil.

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Next, tightly pack the paperwhite bulbs into the container, pushing them down into the stones. Make sure the bulbs are close together but not touching. Add water until it covers the bottom of the bulbs. Take care not to overwater, as paperwhite bulbs are sensitive to water and can rot if there is too much moisture.

After planting, keep the bulbs in a cool, dark room at around 65 degrees Fahrenheit for several weeks. This will allow the roots to take hold and shoots to start sprouting from the bulbs. Once the shoots have emerged, it’s time to move the containers to a cool, sunny location. Paperwhites need bright light to grow, but their flowers will last longer if they are kept around 65°F. Ideal locations for paperwhites include cool windowsills with indirect sunlight or tabletops near sunny windows.

In about 4-6 weeks, you will be rewarded with the sight of tiny blossoms appearing on the flower stems. Each bulb can produce between 20-60 small flowers, creating a stunning display indoors. Paperwhites are known for their sweet fragrance, which adds another level of charm to their beautiful blooms.

To summarize:

  • Choose a shallow container without drainage holes.
  • Fill the container with crushed rock, pebbles, or decorative stones.
  • Plant the paperwhite bulbs tightly in the container, avoiding contact between bulbs.
  • Add enough water to cover the bottom of the bulbs without overwatering.
  • Keep the bulbs in a cool, dark room for several weeks.
  • Move the containers to a cool, sunny location once shoots have emerged.
  • Enjoy the sight and fragrance of paperwhite blooms in 4-6 weeks.

Festive Decor: Paperwhites for Christmas

One of the reasons why paperwhites are so popular is their association with Christmas. Their winter-flowering blooms make them a perfect choice for holiday decorations, adding a touch of freshness and elegance to the festive atmosphere.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply want to enhance the beauty of your home during the season, paperwhites are a great addition. Their white blooms create a crisp and clean aesthetic, complementing other traditional Christmas decorations like greenery and red accents.

You can place potted paperwhites on mantels, tabletops, or even use them as centerpieces for your dining table. The combination of their delicate flowers and intoxicating fragrance will surely captivate your guests and create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

  • Perfect choice for holiday decorations
  • Adds freshness and elegance to the festive atmosphere
  • Complements other traditional Christmas decorations like greenery and red accents
  • Creates a crisp and clean aesthetic with white blooms
  • Can be used as centerpieces for a dining table
  • Delicate flowers and intoxicating fragrance captivate guests

“Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply want to enhance the beauty of your home during the season, paperwhites are a great addition.”

The Right Container: Choosing a Suitable Bowl or Container

When choosing a container for growing paperwhites:

  • Select a shallow bowl or container without drainage holes.
  • Opt for a container that is 3-4 inches deep to provide enough space for the bulbs to establish their roots and support the growing shoots.

It’s also important to consider the visual appeal of the container:

  • Choose a decorative bowl or shallow dish that complements your personal style and the overall aesthetic you want to create.
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Keep in mind that paperwhites can be planted outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11:

  • Select a suitable location with enough sunlight and well-draining soil for outdoor planting.

Planting Process: Using Stones to Support Paperwhite Bulbs

Once you have chosen a suitable container for your paperwhites, it’s time to start the planting process. Since paperwhites do not require soil to grow, you will be using stones or decorative rocks to support the bulbs.

Begin by filling the container with crushed rock, pebbles, or other decorative stones. The stones will not only provide support but also add an aesthetic appeal to the arrangement. Make sure to fill the container with enough stones so that the bulbs can be packed tightly into them.

Next, pack the paperwhite bulbs tightly into the container and push them down into the stones. The bulbs should be close together but not touching. This will ensure that they have enough space to grow and establish roots.

After planting the bulbs, add water until it just covers the bottom of the bulbs. It’s important not to overwater the bulbs, as they are sensitive to water and can rot if there is too much moisture. The water will provide the necessary hydration for the bulbs to start their growth process.

  • Choose a suitable container for your paperwhites.
  • Use stones or decorative rocks to support the bulbs.
  • Fill the container with enough stones for tight packing.
  • Pack the paperwhite bulbs tightly into the container, ensuring they are close together but not touching.
  • Add water until it just covers the bottom of the bulbs.

Watering Tips: Properly Hydrating Paperwhite Bulbs

Watering paperwhite bulbs is essential for their care and maintenance. The watering requirements may vary depending on the planting method you choose – stones or potting soil.

If you planted the bulbs in a container with rocks or stones, daily water checks are crucial. This method causes water to evaporate faster, so make sure the bottom of the bulbs barely touch the water level.

For bulbs planted in potting soil with a container that has a drainage hole, manageable watering is possible. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. It’s recommended to water the bulbs every other day to avoid overwatering.

Remember, do not plant paperwhites in water as they are not aquatic plants and can rot if submerged for too long. Provide sufficient moisture for the bulbs to grow without creating a waterlogged environment.

Care and Maintenance: Ensuring Healthy Growth and Beautiful Blooms

Taking care of paperwhites is relatively simple, as they only require air, water, and sunlight to thrive. Here are a few tips to ensure healthy growth and beautiful blooms:

  • Temperature: Maintain a cool temperature of around 65°F for paperwhites. This will help prolong the lifespan of their flowers.

  • Light: Paperwhites need bright light to grow. Place them in a location with indirect sunlight, such as a cool windowsill or tabletop near a sunny window.

  • Fertilizer: Paperwhites do not require fertilizer. They will derive all the nutrients they need from the bulb itself.

  • Pruning: There is no need to prune paperwhites as they only bloom for about two weeks. Simply enjoy their blooms and discard them once they start to fade.

  • Replanting: If you wish to replant paperwhites in soil, keep in mind that it will take at least two to three years for new growth to occur. Patience is key when it comes to replanting paperwhites.

  • Pests and Diseases: When grown indoors, paperwhites are generally not prone to pests. However, mold and rot can develop if there is an excess of water. Be mindful of proper watering techniques to prevent these issues from occurring.

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Growing paperwhites is a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Whether you are looking to brighten up your home during the Christmas season or simply appreciate their beauty all year round, paperwhites are a fantastic choice. With proper care and maintenance, you will be able to enjoy their elegant blooms and sweet fragrance for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can paperwhites grow in just water?

Yes, paperwhites are a type of bulb that can indeed grow in just water without the need for soil. These beautiful flowers can be cultivated in shallow dishes or trays filled with stones, pebbles, or glass beads, ensuring the bulbs have some stability. With a minimum depth of 4 inches, this setup allows the paperwhites to absorb water while providing support for the plants as they grow. In a relatively short period, each bulb can reward you with an abundance of 20 to 60 small and stunning flowers, making them a delightful addition to any indoor space.

How long do paperwhites take to grow?

Paperwhites bulbs typically require a span of four to six weeks to flourish. To ensure their timely blooming, it is recommended to commence their growth around the first week of November, aligning with the Thanksgiving celebrations, or shortly after to coincide with the Christmas festivities. Given this timeframe, these elegant flowers will elegantly grace your home, adding a touch of beauty to your holiday decorations.

Do paperwhites need to be planted in soil?

Paperwhites do not necessarily need to be planted in soil to thrive. In fact, they can be forced to grow indoors in a creative and decorative manner by placing them in a glass bowl or vase filled with gravel, marbles, or polished glass. However, if soil is preferred, it is important to ensure good drainage for optimal growth. Using a lightweight potting mix with excellent drainage properties would be ideal for planting paperwhites in pots, whether they are placed indoors or outdoors.

Can you regrow paperwhites?

Interestingly, recent research challenges the conventional wisdom that Paperwhite narcissus bulbs cannot be regrown after forced blooming indoors. Experimental evidence suggests that with proper care and nurturing, it is indeed possible to rejuvenate these bulbs for future flowering. By allowing the exhausted bulbs to rest and recover in a cool, dark environment for a few months and then providing them with the necessary nutrients and favourable growing conditions, some gardeners have successfully induced a second bloom. Although it requires patience and attentive care, giving these supposedly spent bulbs a second chance may yield delightful surprises and the satisfaction of defying conventional horticultural wisdom.

References: 1, 2, 3, 4

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