Expert: C.L. Fornari - 12/18/2008

Question
I have a king tut papyrus i recieved last summer. I moved away and split it in half for my aunt. I currently live in zone 6 and i have my half in a big pot inside and keep it watered. The problem is that it only has one stock left. do you know if it's possible to get a cutting from the last stock or any other ways to save it. it does not have any seeds. And dosn't show any signs of new growth. Also can you tell what to look for to see if my plant has any life left; roots.?

Answer
Michael,
Well, you wouldn't see any growth at this time of year, split or not, because the plant is resting.  When there are decreased hours of daylight plants go into a dormant phase until sometime in Feb or March, and many times you won't see growth until you put the plant back outside.

I too have a papyrus I'm over-wintering indoors, and I've saved several from year to year in the past. They just kind of sit there for the winter.  I assume that after you split the plant you put the remaining stalk back in the pot with soil.  At this time of year keep that pot in a shallow bowl that has an inch or two of water in it. It should stay moist but doesn't have to be completely wet wet.   They don't need to be in deeper water inside because they are dormant.

If the stalk isn't brown, and the roots/soil don't smell rotten (swampy) the plant should come back in the spring.  Don't fertilize until late February or early March...once again, think of this plant as taking a long winter nap!

all the best,
C.L.