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How To Care For Paperwhites

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 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 you cut paperwhites after they bloom?

Overwinter and Transplant Paperwhite Bulbs Cut off the flowers and stems after the paperwhite bulbs finish blooming. Do not cut off any leaves. Fill a 4- to 6-inch container halfway with potting soil. If you live in U.S. Department of Agriculture zone 8 or above, you may also set the bulbs outside for the winter.

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.

How do you prune paperwhites?

Paperwhites are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 9. Cut the flower stalks off at their bases once the blooms turn brown and die using a pair of pruning shears. Do not cut the foliage back. Plant the bulbs in a 6-inch pot with soil if they are growing in pebbles and water.

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 long do paperwhite flowers last?

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.

How do I stop my paperwhites from falling over?

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.

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.

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 you deadhead a paperwhite?

While paperwhites need minimal care, proper pruning allows bulbs to store enough energy to fuel the following year’s blooms. Deadhead plants during the growing season by removing fading or dying flowers with sharp garden shears or clippers. Remove discolored leaves.

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.

How do I stop my paperwhites from getting leggy?

How to Keep Paperwhites From Getting Leggy Place about 2 inches of washed pebbles or decorative stones or gravel in a shallow container about 3 or 4 inches deep. Set the paperwhite bulbs pointed-side up on the gravel, nestling them slightly so they are each secure. Add water so it barely reaches the bulb bottoms.

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.

What do paperwhites symbolize?

Meaning: Hope, faithfulness. The Farmer’s Almanac says that the meaning of the Narcissus paperwhite (see below) conveys an unconditional love for your beloved. Name Origin: There are actually several flowers in the narcissus family that you will be familiar with: the daffodil, the jonquil, and the paperwhite.