Paperwhite Narcissus
narcissus tazetta
Also known as: ["Paperwhite","Chinese Sacred Lily"]
Overview
A bulbous perennial plant known for its fragrant, white, trumpet-shaped flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["fragrant flowers","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Asparagales |
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Genus: | Narcissus |
| Botanical Name: | Narcissus tazetta |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in a sunny spot, or indoor pot with bright light
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent bulb rot.
- Soil Type: Well-drained, loamy soil with added organic matter; avoid heavy clay soils.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering; no routine pruning needed for foliage.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning (removal of flower stalks only).
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); adjust to partial shade in hot climates to prevent scorching.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun if moved from shade; protect from intense midday sun in hot regions; ensure good air circulation to prevent leaf burn.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate pots for even light exposure; provide shade during peak summer heat; avoid placing in drafty areas.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging, especially during dormancy.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with added organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure soil is well-drained; avoid waterlogging; amend with compost for fertility.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (50–70°F or 10–21°C); prefers cooler conditions during dormancy; tolerates mild frosts.
Avoid placing in drafty areas; protect from extreme temperature fluctuations; maintain consistent cool temperatures during dormancy.
Fertilizing
monthly during spring and summer, none in fall and winter
Fertilize sparingly to avoid excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers; stop fertilizing after flowering; use a bulb-specific fertilizer for best results.
Propagation
Methods
Division of bulbs; separate offsets after flowering when the foliage begins to die back.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Dig up mature bulbs.
- Separate offsets from the parent bulb.
- Allow offsets to dry for a few days before replanting.
- Plant at the appropriate depth.
Best Time: Late summer or early fall, after the foliage has fully died back but before new growth begins.
Environment
Cool, dry conditions during storage; plant in well-drained soil with full sun exposure.
Medium
Well-drained bulb mix or sandy loam with added perlite or sand.
Hormone
Not required for bulb division.
Timeline
Offsets may take 1–3 years to flower after division.
Tools Needed
Garden fork, sharp knife, bulb separator tool.
Quick Tips
Handle bulbs carefully to avoid damage; store offsets in a cool, dry place if not planting immediately; plant offsets at the same depth as the parent bulb.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut flower stalks at the base with clean shears; do not cut foliage until it has yellowed and died back.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flower stalks after blooming to redirect energy to bulb development; allow foliage to die back naturally for nutrient storage.
Tools
Sharp bypass pruners or scissors.
Checklist
Remove flower stalks promptly; do not cut foliage until it dies back; clean tools after use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Late summer or early fall, after dormancy but before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Use a pot that is 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Gently lift bulbs; remove old or damaged bulbs; replant at a depth of 2–3 times the bulb height with well-drained soil.
Suggestions
Repot only when bulbs become overcrowded or every 3–4 years; overcrowding can reduce flowering.
Checklist
Check for overcrowding; use fresh bulb mix; plant at correct depth; ensure good drainage.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure drainage; reduce watering during dormancy.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, targeting the root zone; apply water slowly and deeply to ensure penetration; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to minimize fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth in spring; reduce watering after flowering until dormancy in late summer/early fall; avoid watering during winter dormancy unless soil is extremely dry.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate compost for organic matter; ensure soil is loose and friable.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Chlorosis or yellowing leaves in excessive heat; stunted growth or bud drop in cold stress; wilting or leaf burn in intense sun.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow metabolic processes; can cause root damage if soil freezes; may lead to delayed or failed flowering.
Solution: Mulch heavily around bulbs in winter; protect from frost with a frost cloth; ensure well-drained soil to prevent freezing.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can scorch leaves and flowers; may cause premature dormancy; reduces overall vigor and flowering quality.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade in hot climates; increase watering frequency during heatwaves; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Fertilize in early spring; use balanced fertilizer; avoid during dormancy; dilute liquid fertilizers.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as growth begins; avoid fertilizing during dormancy; dilute liquid fertilizers to half-strength if used.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to the toxic alkaloids in Narcissus tazetta, which can lead to severe gastrointestinal upset, neurological disturbances, and cardiovascular issues. The bulbs pose the greatest risk.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe toxic alkaloids in Narcissus tazetta can cause severe gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms in dogs. The bulbs are the most dangerous part due to their high alkaloid content.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicNarcissus tazetta contains toxic alkaloids, primarily narcissine and lycorine, which can cause gastrointestinal distress, neurological effects, and cardiovascular issues upon ingestion. The bulbs are particularly toxic due to higher concentrations of these compounds.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Narcissus tazetta toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: How often should I water Narcissus tazetta?
A: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Q: Can Narcissus tazetta be grown indoors?
A: Yes, it is commonly grown indoors for its fragrant flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Amaryllidaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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