Paperwhite Narcissus

(Photo courtesy of Berkeley Blue – Visual Hunt)

What is the easiest plant you can grow indoors? Perhaps it is the Paperwhite Narcissus (Narcissus papyraceus), a popular choice for the winter holidays or just to provide interest in the off season. Dense clusters of showy white blooms appear on light green stalks. The fragrance is very strong and intoxicating. If you have a sensitive olfactory system, this is one you might wish to skip.

Unlike most narcissus, such as the ones that are planted outdoors, these do not require a chilling period in order to bloom.

Paperwhites can be purchased in kits which will contain the pot, soil and bulbs or you may purchase them individually.

Bulbs should be planted in groups of 5 or more for the best display. Any type of container is fine. If using soil, the pot will need drainage holes. However, they can also be grown directly in pebbles and water. The key is to keep the water level below the bulb so that it only touches the roots. Replenish the water as needed. If using soil, water lightly, just enough to keep the soil slightly damp and not too wet. Gently press the bulbs into the soil and do not cover with soil.

(Photo courtesy Claudia Daggett – Visual Hunt)

After planting the bulbs, place the pot in a sunny or brightly lit location until you see flower buds. Then move it to a cooler room (50-60 degrees) with good light. Plants will be leggy if the room is too warm. The stalks almost always need staking. This can be done by putting bamboo stalks, or wooden skewers in the pots with strings to tie the foliage.

A tip for getting shorter stalks is the addition of alcohol or liquor when watering.  To do this, wait until there is two or three inches of growth, usually one week after planting. Use 40% distilled spirits (vodka, rum, gin, etc.) or isopropyl alcohol. Mix one cup of the alcohol with seven parts of water and continue to water with this solution.

Paperwhite Narcissus generally blooms 4-5 weeks after planting and the blooms last for several weeks. After flowering is finished, plants are usually discarded.

(Photo courtesy Ms. Tea – Visual Hunt)