Paperwhite Narcissus

Paperwhite narcissus bursts into snowy white clusters of blossoms. Discover how to make these beauties bloom indoors -- and last for weeks.

Here you'll discover how to force paperwhites into bloom indoors. Growing paperwhite bulbs is easy with these step-by-step tips, plus you'll find out how to make the flowers last longer.

Get to Know Paperwhites

Known botanically as Narcissus jonquilla, this popular species originates in Asia and Southern Europe. Paperwhites are warm-natured, making them ideal (and easy!) for growing indoors.

How tall do paperwhites get? That depends on the variety, usually 12-15 in (30-37.5 cm) in height. Plants often need staking to stay upright.

Paperwhite narcissus is easy to force into bloom indoors. The bulbs do NOT need to be placed in cold storage to bloom. Paperwhite bulbs begin to grow as soon as they are planted, with fragrant flowers appearing in 4-6 weeks.

Each tall flower stem produces several small, snowy-white flowers. Make your flowers last longer by keeping the plant in a cool location. Blooms will look fresh for 3-4 weeks if kept at a maximum of 65°F/18°C.

Looking to buy paperwhite bulbs? Choose paperwhite bulbs that are firm, not soft or mushy. There are a few popular varieties I recommend: 'Ziva' is a prolific bloomer... and 'Ariel' is especially fragrant.

Paperwhites are also sold as kits for the holidays. They're foolproof -- just add water.

Steps to Forcing Paperwhite Narcissus into Bloom

1. Plant paperwhite bulbs in a shallow pot filled with potting mix. Set as many bulbs as will fit in the pot, as close together as possible without touching. Top with potting mix, leaving the tips of the bulbs exposed.
2. Water thoroughly to moisten the soil.
3. Place in a cool (50-60°F/10-24°C) low-light location until shoots appear, usually in 2-3 weeks. Then move pot into warmer temperatures and a brighter location, but out of direct sun. Turn the pot once in a while so that all the stems get equal light. They're fast growers, with blossoms appearing in 4-6 weeks from time of planting.

The clusters of small, white flowers last about 3-4 weeks. 

How to Grow Paperwhites in Pebbles

Paperwhites can be grown without potting mix. Here's how:

1. Cover the bottom of a shallow container with pebbles (or glass marbles) about 2-3 inches deep. Set the paperwhite bulbs on the pebbles with their tips pointed up. Cover the bulbs with more pebbles, leaving their tips exposed. 
2. Add just enough water to reach the bottoms of the bulbs.
3. Set them in a cool location and give them the same care as described in #3 above.

Paperwhite Narcissus Care Tips

Light: Low to bright, indirect light. See "Steps to Forcing" above.

Water: Keep soil evenly moist, but not soggy because the bulbs may rot.

Humidity: Average room (around 40% relative humidity).

Temperature: Cool to average 50-65°F/10-18°C. Too-warm temperatures will shorten the life of flowers and may cause flower buds to shrivel and turn brown.

Soil: Peat moss based potting mix (or use pebbles as described above).

Fertilizer: Feed every 2 weeks with high-phosphorus water-soluble fertilizer at half-strength from planting until blooming. Do not fertilize while in bloom.

Propagation: Paperwhite narcissus bulbs cannot be forced into bloom again and can be discarded.

Paperwhite Problems, Solutions, and Answers

Will paperwhites bloom again? Don't count on it. Paperwhite narcissus can take a few years to bloom a second time, if at all. They're not cold-hardy for planting outdoors.

No blooms? Paperwhite flower buds that "blast" (won't open) are kept too hot and dry.

Tall, leggy stems are typically caused by not getting enough hours of daylight. 

Is paperwhite narcissus poisonous to pets? Yes. According to the ASPCA, all parts of the plant are toxic to cats and dogs. They contain Lycorine and other alkaloids; the bulb is the most toxic.

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