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Paperwhite

4.0 out of 5 (2 experiences)

Blooms easily

Fast grower

Taxonomy

Scientific name

Narcissus papyraceus

Genus

Narcissus

Family

Amaryllidaceae

Order

Asparagales

How to care for Paperwhite

💦 Water

How often to water your Paperwhite

Paperwhite needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Water 0.5 cups every
9

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

No Yes

Select the pot size

☀️ Light

Finding light for Paperwhite in your home

Paperwhite love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.

Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

Paperwhite does not tolerate low-light 🚫.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Paperwhite in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Paperwhite

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Paperwhite: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Paperwhite after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

Browse #Paperwhite

💡 FAQs

💦 Water Needs

Paperwhite prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Paperwhite Water Frequency →

Paperwhite Root Rot →

☀️ Sunlight Needs

Paperwhite requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.

Paperwhite Light Requirements →

Paperwhite Direct Sunlight Needs & Tolerance →

🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Paperwhite is extremely dangerous if consumed. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian immediately. Paperwhite is not recommended for homes with children, cats, or dogs.

🪴 Soil

Paperwhite does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!

Best Soil Mix for Paperwhite →

Best Pots for Paperwhite →

When and How to Successfully Repot Paperwhite →

What Are Healthy Paperwhite Roots →

💩 Fertilizer

Paperwhite is a fast growing plant and may deplete the nutrients in its soil over time. Replenish them with a gentle organic fertilizer or compost every 1-2 months depending on your location and season. Fertilize more often during the growing season and in warmer and brighter climates.

How Much and When to Fertilize Paperwhite →

🌦️ Growing Outdoors

USDA Hardiness Zone
Paperwhite can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 8a-11b. Find your local hardiness zone here.

Paperwhite Temperature Tolerance →

Paperwhite Hardiness Zones →

Landscaping Ideas with Paperwhite →

When to Plant Paperwhite →

How to Plant Paperwhite →

Where to Plant Paperwhite →

Winter Care for Paperwhite →

Best Companion Plants for Paperwhite →

Is Paperwhite a Weed? →

🍂 Yellow Leaves

Yellow leaves aren’t always a reason to panic, and can be a normal part of a plant’s life cycle. Unless brand new leaves are turning yellow or all the leaves change color at once, it’s likely just your plant shedding old leaves.

Overwatering and root rot are the most likely cause of problems in Paperwhite, since they are sensitive to wet soil. The leaves may also appear to be curling or drooping. Less often, yellow leaves are caused by underwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pests.

Replace soggy soil with fresh, dry soil and download Greg to make sure your plant never gets overwatered again!

🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.

Common Bugs Affecting Paperwhite →

What Eats Paperwhite? →

Care Summary for Paperwhite

Paperwhite

Greg recommends:

Water

0.5 cups every 9 days

Placement

< 1ft from a window

Nutrients

Repot after 2x growth

Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.

What other plant parents say

Blooms easily 2

Fast grower 1

Large, lush leaves 1

Browns easily 1

@@Roxanne

25 Plants

14,330 XP

Portland, OR

12/24/2021

So satisfying to grow from bulbs. I grew mine in a glass vase in water so I could watch it’s roots grow. Bloomed in less than 3 weeks! It’s very fragrant and honestly, the scent isn’t for me but it’s not too strong that I can smell it across the room or anything so it’s fine for me but may not be for other.

Fast grower

Blooms easily