Question
I acquired one of these papyrus plants about a month ago. Since I brought it home the leaves have been slowly dying, slowly drying out and turning brown from the tips toward the stalk. It's mostly affecting the leaves closer to the base, but is present to some degree on most of them. I assume this is caused by it getting too much or not enough of something, but I'm not sure what it could be. All the information I've found in the course of doing research agrees that they're native to marshy areas and can grow easily in standing water, so I don't think watering is an issue. I've been keeping the soil moist at all times and the tray in which the pot sits full of water. For the first two weeks I had it on a table near a large window where it received what I would consider medium light all day. After that I tried moving it closer to the window where it receives 2 hours or so of direct sunlight, but this didn't seem to have any affect on its condition. The temperature in my home is an average of 70脗掳F. I don't have a means of measuring the humidity, but I would assume its approximately whatever it is in the average home. If you could give some suggestions or general care tips for this plant it would be much appreciated.

Answer
Hi Shaylan,

Papyrus is a real sun lover. I suspect that the older leaves are dying back because they are not adapted to reduced light. New growth that emerges should be better suited to the reduced indoor light, although the new growth will not be as thick and strong as the sun grown leaves. So move your Papyrus to your sunniest location for best results. BTW, a close relative, Cyperus alternifolius, does better in reduced light.

Your watering seems to be on target. However, if your local tap water is on the hard side, that could be causing the leaf burning. Switch to filtered, distilled or rainwater instead.

Fertilizer can also cause leaf burn, so go easy with that, as well.

Normal room temperatures and humidity are fine.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

If this information has been helpful, please remember to give me an AllExperts rating and nomination.