How to Plant Paperwhites in a Pot

When it comes to indoor bulbs, paperwhites are a popular choice for their delicate appearance and sweet fragrance. These bulbs are easy to grow and can add a cheerful touch to any indoor space. In this article, we’ll discuss how you can plant paperwhites in a pot and enjoy their bloom even during the coldest months of the year.

Choose the Right Supplies

Before planting paperwhites, it’s important to gather all the necessary gardening supplies. First, you’ll need paperwhite bulbs, which can be purchased at any garden center or online store. You’ll also need a large, deep pot with drainage holes, potting soil, and small rocks or pebbles to place at the bottom of the pot.

Planting Paperwhites

To plant paperwhites, start by filling the pot with potting soil until it’s about halfway full. Next, place the small rocks or pebbles at the bottom of the pot. This will help to improve drainage and keep the bulbs from sitting in water.

Take the paperwhite bulbs and push them firmly into the soil, with their pointed tips facing upwards. Make sure to space them out evenly, leaving room for them to grow. Once you’ve planted the bulbs, cover them with soil until the pot is almost full.

Water the soil until it’s moist, but not soaking wet. Then, place the pot in a cool, dark place for about two weeks. This will allow the roots to grow and the bulbs to sprout. After two weeks, move the pot to a bright, sunny windowsill or other well-lit area.

Caring for Your Paperwhite Plants

While your paperwhite plants are growing, it’s important to keep the soil moist. Water them regularly, but avoid overwatering as this can cause the bulbs to rot. You may also want to add some liquid fertilizer every few weeks to encourage growth.

In addition, paperwhite plants tend to grow tall and top-heavy. To prevent them from falling over, you can use a bamboo stake or other support to keep them upright.

Enjoying the Bloom

After about six to eight weeks, your paperwhite plants should start to bloom. Each stem will produce several fragrant, white flowers that can last for up to two weeks. As the flowers fade, cut them off at the base to encourage new growth.

Once the paperwhite plants have finished blooming, you can either discard them or save the bulbs to plant again next year. To save the bulbs, let the leaves die back naturally, then carefully dig them up and store them in a cool, dry place until next fall.

Conclusion

Planting paperwhites in a pot is a great way to brighten up your home during the winter months. With a little time and effort, you can enjoy the sweet fragrance and delicate blooms of these lovely indoor bulbs. Just be sure to choose a deep pot with good drainage, keep the soil moist, and give your paperwhite plants plenty of light and support.