Paperwhite narcissus (Narcissus papyraceus)

Also known as: Paperwhite daffodil

The Paperwhite Narcissus is an excellent choice for winter table displays. These flowers are highly fragrant, filling the room with a pleasant scent. Each stem can support up to ten delicate white blossoms. Commonly gifted during the Christmas season, it's important to note that all parts of the plant, including the bulbs, are toxic.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Plant Comprehensive Care Guide: Beginner's Introduction and Key Details

Perfect for beginners starting their plant care journey

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10 Secrets to Making Paperwhite narcissus Grow Faster (A Must-Read for Beginners)

Advanced tips to accelerate your plant's growth

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Care "Black Tech": 10 Little-Known Highly Effective Maintenance Tips

Expert-level techniques for optimal plant care

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Attributes of Paperwhite narcissus

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

30 cm to 45 cm

Spread

5 cm to 7 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

3 cm

Flower Color

White

Images of Paperwhite narcissus

Quickly Identify Paperwhite narcissus

Identifying Narcissus papyraceus involves looking for clusters of small, white flowers with a strong, sweet fragrance. The leaves are long, narrow, and strap-like, growing from the base of the plant.

Scientific Classification of Paperwhite narcissus

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Monocotyledons

Order

Asparagales

Family

Amaryllis

Genus

Daffodils

Species

Paperwhite narcissus

Planting and Growing of Paperwhite narcissus

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 4 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

50-65℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Paperwhite narcissus?

Water the Narcissus papyraceus until the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged. This means around 250 ml per watering, ensuring that water reaches the roots without leaving the soil soaked. The principle is to provide enough moisture so that the plant can absorb it efficiently without sitting in excess water.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Paperwhite narcissus? ›

What should I do if my Paperwhite narcissus is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Paperwhite narcissus? ›

How to save an overwatered Paperwhite narcissus? ›

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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Paperwhite narcissus?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6–8 hours daily

Partial to full sunlight is ideal, allowing Narcissus papyraceus to flourish with adequate lighting. This enhances photosynthesis efficiency, leading to healthier growth and abundant flowering.

Best Location for Planting ›

Seasonal Lighting Adjustments ›

Ideal Light and Growth Benefits ›

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Paperwhite narcissus?

Ideal Temperature: 50 ~ 65℉

For optimal growth, Narcissus papyraceus thrives in temperatures between 50°F and 65°F. This range encourages robust blooming and healthy foliage. Anything outside this bracket might hinder growth or flower production.

What Soil is Best for Paperwhite narcissus?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam, Calcareous soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Narcissus papyraceus thrives best in well-draining soil that prevents waterlogging. This type of soil ensures the roots receive optimal oxygen levels, reducing the risk of rot and promoting strong growth. This plant requires soil with moderate fertility. Nutrient-rich loam fulfills this need by providing essential nutrients that support healthy foliage and vibrant blooms, requiring minimal additional fertilization. Narcissus papyraceus prefers soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH, ideally between 6.5 to 7.5. This range allows the plant to efficiently absorb nutrients, encouraging robust flowering and lush growth. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Paperwhite narcissus?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Narcissus papyraceus, apply a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio such as 10-10-10. Use approximately 1 tablespoon per gallon of water for liquid fertilizer and around 25 grams for solid forms per application. More About Fertilizing Techniques→

How to Prune Paperwhite narcissus?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Begin by inspecting the plant for leaves that have turned brown and lifeless. These are the ones you need to target. Use a clean, sharp pair of scissors to precisely snip away the dead material without damaging the healthy parts of the plant. When removing spent flower stems, ensure you leave about two to three inches of stem above the bulb. This helps protect the bulb and allows it some capacity to continue absorbing nutrients. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Paperwhite narcissus plant?

Propagate Time: Autumn, Winter

Carefully dig around the clump of Narcissus papyraceus bulbs using a garden fork. Gently lift the bulbs from the ground without damaging them, shaking off excess soil to expose the bulb structure.

Use your hands and a sharp knife to separate the bulbs. Each section should have at least one growth point or eye. Ensure clean cuts to avoid any potential infections or rot.

Replant the divided bulbs at the same depth they were growing and space them adequately. Water them lightly after planting to aid in establishing them in their new location.

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How to Repot Paperwhite narcissus plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Narcissus papyraceus should be repotted when you notice that the roots are overcrowded in the pot, or when the soil has degraded significantly. Ideally, this should be done during the dormancy period in early spring or autumn when the plant isn't actively growing. Signs like poor drainage or slow growth indicate it's time for a new pot.

Select a pot that is about one size larger than the current one, with ample drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. A terracotta pot can be beneficial as it allows a better exchange of air in the root zone, promoting healthier root growth and minimizing the risk of rot.

Pick a well-drained potting mix that is rich in organic matter. This type of soil provides the right balance of nutrients and aeration, helping to maintain moisture without becoming soggy. A mix that includes sand or perlite will improve drainage and ensure the roots have access to the air they need.

Toxicity of Paperwhite narcissus

Is Paperwhite narcissus toxic to humans?

The Paperwhite narcissus carries a mild toxicity risk for humans if ingested. Every component of the plant is toxic, indicating that accidental consumption of any section—be it the bulb, foliage, or blooms—can result in poisoning. When consumed, individuals may encounter a variety of symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea. It is especially crucial to remain cautious around children and pets, as they may be more prone to inadvertently ingesting parts of the Paperwhite narcissus. While the symptoms can differ in intensity, they are generally not life-threatening. Nevertheless, it is wise to exercise caution to avert any instances of accidental poisoning from this plant.

Is Paperwhite narcissus toxic to cat?

The paperwhite narcissus presents a moderate toxic risk to felines. A frequent way for cats to be poisoned is through accidental ingestion of the plant. When ingested, symptoms may arise in cats that reflect physical discomfort or anxiety. All parts of the plant are deemed toxic, highlighting the significant need to keep cats away from any section of the paperwhite narcissus. Should there be any suspicion that a cat has consumed this plant, it is crucial to obtain immediate veterinary assistance to safeguard their health and implement any required treatments.

Is Paperwhite narcissus toxic to dog?

The Paperwhite narcissus presents a moderate toxicity risk to dogs. Canines might accidentally ingest various parts of this plant, which can lead to poisoning. All parts of the plant are toxic, meaning that consuming even a small portion can result in negative health consequences. Symptoms of poisoning in dogs may manifest as gastrointestinal distress, such as vomiting and diarrhea, along with lethargy or even more serious clinical signs based on the quantity consumed. It is essential for dog owners to vigilantly supervise their pets and restrict their access to paperwhite narcissus. If a dog consumes any part of this plant, it is vital to seek immediate veterinary attention to secure the best possible outcome for the animal.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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