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Paperwhites are notorious for flopping over once they reach their full height of about 16-18 inches tall. That’s why you’ll often see them supported with slim stakes and twine, or a metal ring around the foliage.
How do I stop my paperwhites from growing too tall?
Here are four ways to keep your paperwhites from falling over. Support Them With Sticks. The tried-and-true method for keeping paperwhites from falling over is to support them with a stick or with multiple sticks. Support Them With Ribbon. Support Them With A Tall Straight-Sided Vase. Stunt Their Growth With Booze.
How long do paperwhite blooms last?
Paperwhites will bloom for a week or two before fading. Once the flowers appear, the blooms will last longer if you move the pot out of direct sunlight to a cool spot with indirect or diffused light. For continuous blooms, plant pots every two weeks in the late fall and early winter.
What do you do with paperwhite bulbs after they bloom?
Keep Them in Pots About six weeks after the paperwhite blooms, turn the pot on its side and store it somewhere where it will not freeze, such as a garage or basement. In the fall, turn the pot upright, place it in the sun, water the bulb thoroughly and continue watering until the paperwhite blooms again in the spring.
Do paperwhites come back every year?
Paperwhites are often found in homes, blooming with starry white flowers that help dispel the cobwebs of winter. Sometimes if you plant them outside in USDA zone 10, you may get another bloom the next year but usually paperwhite bulb reblooming will take up to three years.
Can you reuse paperwhite bulbs?
With the proper care, you can save and preserve paperwhite bulbs to bloom again. However, they do require time to replenish their energy stores, and may not re-bloom for two or three years. Paperwhites are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 9.
How do I stop my paperwhites from drooping?
Prevent paperwhites from flopping An alcohol solution will keep your paperwhites nice and compact and less likely to droop. You can read more about the concept at Cornell University’s Flowerbulb Research Program. At the time of planting, place the bulbs atop a layer of stones or glass beads.
How do you take care of paperwhite bulbs?
Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. Paperwhites will bloom in about two to four weeks. Once the plants begin to bloom, the floral display typically lasts one to two weeks. For longest bloom, keep the soil moist and move the pot out of direct sun.
What do you do with bulbs after they bloom indoors?
Clip off dead blooms, leaving the foliage intact. Set containers in a sunny window indoors, or a bright, but protected spot outside and continue watering as usual. Allow the soil to dry out completely once the leaves have withered and died. Set the pots in a cool, dry place in a basement, garage, or shed.
How many times do paperwhites bloom?
Paperwhites will bloom about four to six weeks after planting, so plan accordingly if you want flowers for the holidays or other special occasions. For continuous bloom throughout the winter, plant bulbs every two weeks from late fall through February.
Can you replant Paperwhite narcissus?
Paperwhites (Paperwhite narcissus) are members of the daffodil family but are unlike other daffodils. When paperwhite bulbs are forced, they cannot be reused or regrown; however, when planted in soil and allowed to grow and bloom on their timing, you can reuse or regrow paperwhites every year.
How do I get my paperwhites to rebloom?
Fertilize the bulbs again using a full-strength application of houseplant fertilizer. Allow the bulbs to develop stems and leaves. Paperwhite bulbs will not usually flower again in their second year. Repeat this process each year until blooming occurs.
Can I plant paperwhites outside?
Like most bulbs that are forced for indoor flowers, paperwhites are usually tossed out after they finish blooming. In warm climates, where temperatures don’t go below 20°F, paperwhite bulbs can be planted outdoors in late fall and will bloom in late winter. Plant the bulbs about 6″ deep and 4″ apart.
Do paperwhites smell?
Paperwhite narcissus are the cilantro of the flower world. While some people can’t get enough of their heady fragrance, to others they smell like a cross between dirty socks and cat pee.
Why is my paperwhite drooping?
Too much water combined with warm conditions can lead to bud drop. Once it sets buds, water your Christmas cactus only if you notice it begin to wilt. Once it blooms, resume watering whenever the soil surface feels dry.
Why are my paperwhites not blooming?
Either they were grown in a room that’s too warm (above 65°F) or they didn’t get enough light. For stocky plants, grow the bulbs in a cool room (50-60°F) and make sure they get lots of bright, indirect light. Once you see buds, move the pot into your living area.
Should you cut back bulbs after flowering?
Cutting Back Fall-Planted Bulbs The best time to prune is after they bloom in the spring. Let the flower completely fall and the seed pod go brown. Once the green leaves have started to die back and have turned brown then it’s okay to prune.
How do you store paperwhite bulbs for the next year?
Store the paper bag in a moderately cool and dry location. A standard interior room with temperatures between 60 F and 75 Fahrenheit is ideal for paperwhite storage. Store the paperwhite bulbs for three to four months in the bag. Remove the bulbs from the bag when you are ready to plant them.
What do you do with spent forced bulbs?
Forced daffodils can be saved and successfully planted outdoors. The care after flowering is important if attempting to save forced bulbs. After blooming, remove the spent flowers and place the plants in a sunny window. Water regularly until the foliage begins to yellow.
