How to Reuse Paperwhite Bulbs

Paperwhite narcissus are pure white in color, though they may have some yellow in the center.

Paperwhite narcissus produce pure white blooms that have the distinctive trumpet shape of a daffodil, which is a close relative. Paperwhites do not tolerate frost like other spring-flowering bulbs, but they are grown indoors in all climates. These tender bulbs are usually grown indoors, forced into bloom in late winter before they would bloom naturally outdoors. The forcing process places a lot of stress on the paperwhite bulb, but often they can be reused for two or more years if they are cared for properly after flowering.

Things You'll Need

• Fertilizer
• Shears

Instructions

1. Cut off the flower stalk at the base once the paperwhite finishes blooming. Place the pot in a sunny window.

2. Fertilize the paperwhite once every two weeks with a balanced, soluble houseplant fertilizer. Follow label instructions for exact application rates and method.

3. Water the soil when the surface begins to feel dry to the touch. Water from the top just until the excess moisture begins to drain from the bottom of the pot.

4. Cut off the foliage and soil level once it yellows and dies back on its own, usually within six to eight weeks of blooming. Stop watering and fertilizing, allowing the soil to dry out completely.

5. Place the pot and bulb in a dark, dry place. Store at 45 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit until you are ready to force it again, usually in late fall or early winter.

6. Move the pot to a warm area that receives bright light when you are ready to reuse the bulb. Water the soil until it is evenly moist throughout, and continue to water as needed to keep it moist. The paperwhite will send up foliage within one to two weeks, and will resume blooming six weeks after watering resumes.

Tips & Warnings

• Paperwhite bulbs planted in soil are more likely to be reusable than those grown in pebbles and water.

• If your paperwhite narcissus doesn't bloom for two years in a row or if it fails to grow foliage, it is time to replace the bulb. Healthy bulbs may skip a year of flowering but rarely do they skip more than that.

References

• Washington State Extension: Paperwhite Narcissus for the Holidays