How to Grow Paperwhites in Pots Indoors

 

The scientific name of paperwhites plant is Narcissus papyraceus and one of the most common ways to grow the plant is to grow them to bloom in pots indoors. The paperwhites plants are especially popular for decorating at Christmastime. To grow paperwhite bulbs fill a 3-4 inch deep bowl or other shallow container without drainage holes with crushed rock, pebbles, or other decorative stones. Then pack your paperwhite bulbs into the container and push them down into the stones so the tips stay upright. You need to add water until it covers the bottom of the bulbs.

 

How Can I Make My Paperwhites Grow Faster?

After planting the paperwhite bulbs, keep the paperwhite bulbs in a cool, sixty-five degree Fahrenheit, dark room for several weeks until the roots take hold and the shoots start to sprout from the bulbs. After that, place the containers in a cool, sunny location. In four to six weeks, you'll see tiny blossoms on the flower stems. Paperwhites actually have a significant advantage over other commonly forced bulbs in that they do not need an eight to twelve week cold-temperature treatment. Because it's so fast and easy, forcing paperwhites is an excellent project for beginning gardeners.

 

Can Paperwhites Be Grown Indoors?

You can easily grow paperwhites bulb indoors in a shallow pot or bowl (3-4 inches deep) without drainage holes.

You need to fill the pot with small, loose stones.

Make sure you gently place the upright paperwhite bulbs into the container, pressing them into the stones.

You have to add enough water to cover the bottom of the paperwhite bulbs.

Store the paperwhite bulbs in a cool, dark room for about four to six weeks. Move the paperwhite plants to a cool, sunny place when the shoots begin to sprout.

Can paperwhites grow in just water? For shorter, more stable stems, you can grow paperwhite bulbs in water with a 5% alcohol concentration.

Also, paperwhite bulbs can be easily planted outside in the fall in warm climates.

Actually the paperwhite narcissus, a relative of daffodils and jonquils, is very easy to grow indoors and they produce small, fragrant flowers on twelve to eighteen inch stalks. A large amount of paperwhites display pure white blooms, but yellow and orange varieties are also available.