Culture: Cyperus

Proven Winners has several Cyperus species in its Graceful Grasses program. Cyperus involucratus Baby Tut is a fast growing, petite Egyptian papyrus that was chosen for its color, texture and performance. It reaches a height of 24 inches and spread of 30-40 inches. It can be used in water gardens, patio containers, combinations and landscape beds. It is hardy to USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11.
 

C. papyrus King Tut reaches 4-8 feet tall and wide. This fast-growing upright plant is distinctive looking with large heads of pendulous leaves. Its greenish spikelets can measure 1-foot across. This large dramatic plant can be used in water gardens, as the centerpiece of a large patio container or in landscape beds. Both plants can be grown as water or bog plants.

Rooted 50-cell liners should be planted into 6-inch and larger containers filled with a well-drained growing medium with a pH of 6-6.5 and electrical conductivity level of 0.6-0.9 (2:1 extraction method). Maintain a production temperature of 65°F-72°F.
 

Plants should be grown under high light levels (4,000-7,000 footcandles; 800 -1,400 μmol·m-2·s-1). Low light encourages stretch, especially in King Tut.
 

The growing medium should be kept moist to wet. Fertilize with 150-200 parts per million nitrogen at every irrigation from a balanced fertilizer. Growth and production time are determined by watering and fertilization practices. Do not allow the medium to dry down to control growth or it could lead to leaf drop.
 

Plants do not need to be pinched or require any growth regulators. Growth regulators tend to distort plant growth and the look of the plant. Plant height is best managed through production practices.
 

Spider mites may be a problem under very dry conditions, such as in interiorscapes.
Both Baby Tut and King Tut are fast growers. Liners started in 6- to 8-inch pots finish in six to eight weeks.