Paperwhites, also known as narcissus papyraceus, is a Meditteranean native that adds so much beauty to an indoor and outdoor flower garden. With their leggy green stems and bright white florets, paperwhites are an undeniable favorite among most gardeners. These versatile flowers are fairly easy to grow, but only if you properly ascertain their needs beforehand.
Learning when to plant paperwhites is the first step to growing these elegant flowers. But the tasks that follow are just as important and we'd wager that identifying the ins and outs of the flower's watering needs are at the top of the list.
To help us properly care for these plants and provide a stable and hydrated environment that promotes healthy growth, we've reached out to the experts for their insight on the best techniques for optimal hydration. And the guide that follows will leave you with zero questions and plenty of lively blooms.
How to Properly Water Paperwhites?
Watering houseplants correctly is a must if you're looking to grow happy and healthy plants in your home.
"When it comes to watering paperwhites, my approach is informed by years of experience in sustainable landscaping and plant care," says Lisa Wark, director at Champion Distinctive Landscaping. "Proper watering is crucial to maintaining plant health."
For paperwhites, she recommends placing them in a shallow dish with pebbles to allow water to be absorbed slowly, keeping their roots moist without drenching them. She finds that this emulates a natural environment for rooted paperwhite blooms and is the best solution to keep your garden hydrated.
Joe Dogherty, gardening expert at D&G Landscaping, tells us that diligent watering techniques are crucial to fostering steady growth in paperwhites. "These bulbs can be finicky with water requirements," he notes. "I suggest watering them moderately, avoiding saturation, which is a common issue tied to inadequate drainage."
Price: $36
Holds: 19.01 oz
We believe that even the most tedious tasks can be made enjoyable with a touch of chic design and Anthropologie's Turquoise Glass Watering Can is stunning proof.
Price: $129
Size: 14.88'' H X 4.61'' L X 2.38'' D
Who knew watering cans could be this sleek? This Georg Jensen Terra Watering Can from Wayfair is the chrome gardening accessory you need by your side.
Price: $27
Size: 7.75"D x 6.02"W x 7.24"H
When it comes to gardening tools that spark joy, this Ceramic Thumb Watering Cloud from Amazon is the most cheerful of them all and it does the job like a pro.
How Often Should You Water Paperwhites?
Marco Picano, founder of Picano Landscaping, tells us that watering paperwhites involves striking a balance to avoid common pitfalls. "Based on my experience, I find that it's important to water them when the top inch of the soil starts to feel dry," he says. "This usually means watering once or twice a week, depending on your local climate."
Creating a proper watering schedule is one of the most important things to consider when attempting to bloom your paperwhites.
In terms of frequency, Lisa tells us that she has found that checking the moisture level is key. "It's often useful to begin with watering them thoroughly upon planting," she notes. "And adjusting the schedule based on environmental conditions like humidity and temperature."
When Should You Water Paperwhites?
Marco tells us that watering your paperwhites in the morning is ideal. "This allows the plant to absorb moisture before the peak sun hits, reducing the threat of evaporation and waterlogging," he explains. "When watering too late in the day, you also run the risk of your flowers developing mildew."
Lisa also believes that timing plays a vital role when it comes to hydrating your paperwhites. "I suggest watering them early in the morning to ensure efficient uptake and to prevent fungal issues," she says. "Monitoring the soil moisture rather than sticking rigidly to a schedule will help adapt the care based on the micro-environment of your space."
Watering your plants is imperative to helping them grow to be strong and flower-full. However, it is often neglected or practiced with little to no active attention. This is why gardening experts stress the need for a regular watering schedule alongside proper techniques for successful flowering.
These expert tips are all you need to help your paperwhites bloom as their best selves. And once you take the time to discipline your watering regimen, you'll soon see that your extra efforts won't go unnoticed. In fact, they'll go directly into your garden gifting you with a live bouquet of pretty white flowers.
FAQs
What are the Consequences of Over and Underwatering Paperwhites?
As with most things in life, extremes on either end of the scale are best avoided. And this principle stands true to watering paperwhites too.
Lisa points out that overwatering is a risk, which commonly leads to issues like root rot in larger landscape projects as it disrupts the oxygen flow in soil. "Underwatering, conversely, results in wilting," she says. "This is something we've mitigated by using effective monitoring systems on our turf with excellent outcomes."
She concludes that both can be detrimental and affect the plant's aesthetics and health, stressing the importance of closely monitoring moisture levels.
