Cyperus alternifolius

Palm - Umbrella

                                          ID#551

 
 

Additional Information: Purchase at: The Plant Farm, New Bern, NC

 

Cyperus alternifolius is a native of the swamps of Madagascar. It is a relative of papyrus of the Nile river. The plant can grow to 3-5 feet if given plenty of water.


It does best in a tropical environment, but quickly adapts to the home.

HEIGHT X SPREAD: 12 ft x 5 ft PLANT TYPE: Tender perennial/Tropical GROWTH RATE: Fast TEXTURE: fine LIGHT: Full sun to part shade WATER: wet, never let dry SOIL: 2 parts peat moss: 1 part loam : 1 part sand Also grows well in water
As observed in Coastal NC. BLOOMS: Summer flowers are a brownish spadix produced in the center of the leaves. Flowers stay in plant all winter. FRUIT AND SEED: propagated by cuttings or division. Take cuttings from the top 4-6 inches of the plant. Place them upside down in water and when new plants emerge, repot in soil. KEY FEATURES: is a grass-like plant in the very large genus Cyperus of the sedge family. Rhizomatous herb, fibrous roots, bladeless. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyperusshapeimage_3_link_0
A year cycle in the life of ...... at Mooring Hitch Give the plant lots of water. Never let this plant dry out. The wetter the roots are, the more it thrives. It is best to put the pot inside another pot with water or grow it in an aquarium. I have mine in a 2 ft. deep water barrel, potted and weight down with rocks. The barrel contains other aquatic plants, two gold fish and few water snails, no pump. The water so far has stay clear. Temp. kept above 50F -Plant has grown lots all winter and kept its flowers -Only water added as it evaporates. Placed outdoor for the summer. Plant gives more interest indoors during winter months.
          Mooring Hitch Gardens       
 

Sept. 2010

June 2012

January  2011

Flowers and seeds  01/2011

Glasshouse in winter  -  2011