Expert: C.L. Fornari - 8/22/2010

Question
We live in Alaska where the winters are very long and dark, but we would like to try to over winter our King Tut containers.  Have you any suggestions as to how (or if) that could be accomplished?

Answer
Andy,
King Tut and other papyrus are easy to overwinter indoors. If it's already in a pot, keep that container in a dish or bowl that can hold an inch or two of water. If you now have it planted in a garden, dig it up and put the plant in a pot, leaving it outdoors to settle into the pot before you have to bring it in when frost is likely.

You should keep the plant in front of the brightest window that you have: southern is probably best. Don't fertilize, and only water when you see the bowl or dish is beginning to get dry. (Don't let plant get dried out.) This plant may have some stalks that yellow - that's OK. It's likely to lose stems and leaves because of the low levels of light.

Watch for insects such as aphids and whitefly, and if you see them, spray with insecticidal soap.

In April you should take the plant out of the pot and cut off pieces of the most healthy, new stems - usually on the outside of the pot - and put these in new pots with fresh soil. King Tut grows quickly as I'm sure you've seen your plant do this summer.

The plant will be semi-dormant over the winter; some light and water is important, but since the plant isn't growing much it doesn't have to be strong light. Just remember: no fertilizer until you repot next spring!
I hope this helps,
C.L.