Can You Plant Paperwhites in Water?

Paperwhites are a type of daffodil that are native to the Mediterranean region. They are incredibly popular as indoor plants, especially during the holiday season, because of their fragrant white flowers and ease of care. One of the questions that many people ask is whether you can plant paperwhites in water. The answer is yes! In fact, planting paperwhites in water is an easy and fun way to enjoy these beautiful plants.

What You Will Need

To get started, you will need a few things. First, you will need a container that is suitable for planting paperwhites in water. You can use any type of container that is watertight, but it is best to choose a container that is tall and narrow. This will help to support the long stems of the paperwhites as they grow. You will also need some small stones, pebbles, or marbles to anchor your paperwhites in the water. Finally, you will need some paperwhite bulbs and water.

How to Plant Paperwhites in Water

The first step in planting paperwhites in water is to prepare your container. Start by filling the container about one-third of the way up with your stones, pebbles, or marbles. Next, place your paperwhite bulbs on top of the stones, making sure that they are spaced out evenly. Fill the container with water so that the water level is just below the base of the bulbs, but not touching them. You can add more stones or marbles around the bulbs to help hold them in place if needed.

Place your container in a sunny location and watch as the paperwhites grow. You may need to add more water to the container as the paperwhites start to grow, but be careful not to overwater them. You can expect to see blooms in about 4 to 6 weeks.

Caring for Paperwhites in Water

Once your paperwhites have begun to grow, there are a few things you can do to care for them. First, make sure that they are getting enough sunlight. Paperwhites need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. If you notice that your paperwhites are not getting enough sun, you can move them to a sunnier location.

You should also keep an eye on the water level in your container. You want to make sure that the water level is just below the base of the bulbs, but not touching them. If the water level is too low, add more water. If the water level is too high, pour off some of the water.

Finally, paperwhites can sometimes grow tall and floppy. To prevent this, you can add a small amount of alcohol to the water. About 1 part alcohol to 7 parts water is usually sufficient. The alcohol will stunt the growth of the stems, making them shorter and sturdier.

In Conclusion

Planting paperwhites in water is an easy and fun way to enjoy these beautiful indoor plants. With just a few supplies and some patience, you can watch these fragrant white flowers bloom right before your eyes. Remember to choose a tall, narrow container, add some stones or marbles to anchor your bulbs, and keep an eye on the water level. With these simple tips, you can successfully plant paperwhites in water and enjoy their beauty all winter long.