How to Grow Scirpus - Planting & Caring

By Sharon & Team   /   Herbaceous Category   /   2023

Scirpus, also called bulrush or reedmace, is a genus of about 200 species of flowering plants in the sedge family Cyperaceae. Members of the genus are commonly called bulrushes. They are found on all continents except Antarctica.

How to Grow Scirpus - Planting & Caring

Growing Easiness

Is it easy to grow Scirpus plant? The plant is not demanding and there are small difficulties in growing it. It prefers moist soil and sunny areas but it can also grow in shady areas. It is resistant to cold and can be found in the wild in Europe, Asia and North America.

Plant Size

How big can it be? The Scirpus plant has stems that can grow up to 20-25 cm in length. The plant is native to Europe, Asia, and North America.

Growth Rate

How fast is the growth? So, the Scirpus plant can grow as wide as 20 feet in diameter. However, the plant's size will also be determined by the type of Scirpus plant. There are three types of Scirpus plants: the Scirpus maritimus, Scirpus validus, and Scirpus lacustris. The Scirpus maritimus grows the largest out of the three types.

Scirpus Basic Knowledge

Plant Form Herbaceous
Family Cyperaceae
Origin Tropics of the Mediterranean

Lifespan, Perennial or Annuals

How long is the lifespan? Eventually, all plants will age and die. Some die quickly while others may last for decades. The Scirpus plant is a perennial, meaning it will live for more than two years. However, it can age rapidly and require frequent division.

Ideal Temperature

What is the ideal temperature? The Scirpus plant prefers a temperature of 64.4-68 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, and about 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night. At a higher temperature, the plant generally decreases the humidity, which may be accompanied by shrinkage of the plant's stems.

Humidity

What about the humidity? So, the minimum humidity for this plant is 50%. In winter, the plant needs to be sprayed with soft water every day. If the temperature is above 68 degrees Fahrenheit, the plant needs to be sprayed with soft water at least every 2 days. To maintain the proper humidity, it is necessary to use various methods of increasing humidity.

Light Requirement

What amount of light this plant needed? Sometimes, a grower will want a non-directional light, or penumbra, for their Scirpus plant. In this case, the best windows will be on the northern or eastern side of the house. It's important to remember that this plant will turn yellow if it is in too much bright light. If the light is too low, the plant will begin to wilt.

Soil Composition

What is good soil for Scirpus? So, the plant prefers fresh and wet soil. Scirpus plant soil mixture should contain: leaf earth - 1 part, peat - 1 part, sand - 1 part. You can also use an equal mixture of peat and sand, but no more than 20% of the total mixture should be manure fertilizer. For successful growth and development of the plant, good drainage is required, that is, the pot should have a drainage hole through which water can drain, and the pot itself should be placed on a saucer or pallet.

Watering Time

How much I must water Scirpus? So, the plant must be kept in moist soil at all times to prevent it from drying out and turning yellow.

Fertilizing and Nutritient

About fertilizer. If you want your Scirpus plant to grow healthy and strong, you need to fertilize it regularly. For best results, feed your Scirpus plant with a liquid fertilizer once a month, diluted to half the recommended concentration. This will give your Scirpus plant the nutrients it needs to grow big and strong.

Reproduction

How to reproduce Scirpus? Since Scirpus reproduce bydivision of the plant, when the plant becomes overgrown, it's time to divide it. This is done by digging up the plant and manually tearing it into several parts. If the plant is not divided regularly, it will begin to “go bald” in the center. The plant is also propagated by seeds, which are collected from the ears. The seeds are sown very shallow into a mixture of peat, leaf earth and sand. After seeding, the container is covered with glass. Germinate at a temperature of 64.4 Fahrenheit, periodically watering. The strong seedlings after the dive are planted in 9-cm pots. The shoots develop slowly enough.

Bloom

Why Scirpus won't bloom? The plant blooms in the summer. Small yellow-green flowers are collected in ordinary-looking spikelets. The flowers are formed at the end of each leaf-peduncle.

Transfer or Repotting

How much I must water Scirpus? Sometimes, the Scirpus plant will need to be transferred to a new pot every 2-3 years in the spring. This is because the plant will become "cramped" in the pot it is currently in and will need more space to grow. When transferring the Scirpus to a new pot, it is best to use a ceramic pot that is 1.5 times larger than the previous pot. This will give the Scirpus the extra space it needs to grow and thrive.

Caring The Scirpus

How to care the plant? known as the Papyrus sedge, the Scirpus plant is a tall, reed-like plant that is native to Africa. It grows in marshy areas and can reach heights of up to 10 feet. The plant has long, slender leaves that are yellow-green in color and have a papyrus-like texture. The Scirpus plant is often used as an ornamental plant in aquariums and ponds. It can also be grown hydroponically and makes an excellent houseplant.

Pests & Challenges

What is the challenge when caring Scirpus plant? The main stem is erect, branched. The leaves are located at the base of the stem, they are long, narrow, with sharp ends. The inflorescence is a panicle of small spikelets. The plant is monoecious. It blooms in July-August. The fruits ripen in August-September. It propagates by seed. It is found in damp meadows, along rivers and lakes.

Toxic & Poisonous Type

Are Scirpus poisonous? Because of its high tannin content, it can be used as a natural dye and as a food preservative. The plant is also used in traditional medicine for the treatment of wounds and cuts.