Aquatic umbrella plant (Cyperus alternifolius) is a fast growing, low maintenance plant marked by stiff stems topped with strappy, umbrella-like leaves. Umbrella plants work well in small ponds or tub gardens and are especially beautiful when planted behind water lilies or other smaller aquatic plants.
How do you grow an umbrella plant in water? What about outdoor umbrella plant care? Read on to find out more.
Growing an Umbrella Plant
Growing an umbrella plant outdoors is possible in USDA plant hardiness zones 8 and above. This tropical plant will die down during chilly winters but will regrow. However, temperatures below 15 degrees F. (-9 C.) will kill the plant.
If you live north of USDA zone 8, you can pot aquatic umbrella plants and bring them indoors for the winter.
Outdoor umbrella plant care is uninvolved, and the plant will flourish with very little assistance. Here are a few tips for growing an umbrella plant:
- Grow umbrella plants in full sun or partial shade.
- Umbrella plants like damp, boggy soil and can tolerate water up to 6 inches (15 cm.) deep. If your new plant doesn’t want to stand upright, anchor it with a few rocks.
- These plants can be invasive, and the roots grow deep. The plant may be difficult to control, especially if you’re growing an umbrella plant in a pond lined with gravel. If this is a concern, grow the plant in a plastic tub. You’ll need to trim the roots occasionally, but trimming won’t harm the plant.
- Cut plants down to ground level every couple of years. Aquatic umbrella plants are easy to propagate by dividing a mature plant. Even a single stalk will grow a new plant if it has a few healthy roots.
