




Cyperus alternifolius — Papyrus grass / Umbrella plant
The Cyperus alternifolius, also called apartment papyrus or umbrella plant, captivates with its elegant and airy silhouette. Its long thin stems topped with fine radiating leaves resemble the umbels of a tropical umbrella — a sculptural and soothing plant.
Native to Madagascar, the Cyperus brings an exotic and fresh touch, perfect for bright interiors as well as shaded terraces. It is an ideal plant to recreate a humid and zen nature corner in an urban environment.
Exposure & location
The Cyperus alternifolius likes bright light without harsh direct sun. It thrives both in bright interiors and outdoors in partial shade, as long as its substrate remains moist.
- Ideal: veranda, bright bathroom, or shaded balcony.
- Avoid: rooms that are too dry or direct sun rays in summer.
- Perfect location: near a window, a fountain, or in a pot with water reservoir.
Verdeia tip: place it in a saucer always filled with water — it loves having its feet in moisture.
Watering & care
- Watering: frequent — keep the soil moist at all times.
- Frequency: 2 to 3 times per week in summer, daily if needed when hot.
- Humidity: essential — regularly mist the foliage.
- Care: cut dry stems at the base to stimulate new shoots.
- Level: moderate — it requires water but rewards you with constant vitality.
If the tips brown, it often indicates air that is too dry or insufficient watering.
Decor ideas & plant combinations
The Cyperus is an architectural plant that brings verticality and lightness. It pairs perfectly with dense foliage or water plants for a natural tropical atmosphere.
- Visual look: slender and light silhouette, ideal for structuring a green corner.
- To combine with: Spathiphyllum, Asplenium nidus, or Fittonia for a humid jungle effect.
- Ideal pot: waterproof pot or deep planter cover to retain moisture.
- Where to place it: near a source of soft light or next to a trailing plant.
In arrangements, it adds height and movement to your indoor green space.
Verdeia tips
- Repotting: every year in spring, in a larger pot with a moist bottom.
- Substrate: rich and fresh mix, retaining water well (universal potting soil + peat + sand).
- Hardiness: tolerates down to 10 °C, bring indoors in winter if grown outside.
- Tip: ideal for rooms with dry air — it naturally regulates humidity.
It is a plant that likes to be left to grow freely — the bigger it gets, the more spectacular it becomes.
Characteristics
- Botanical name: Cyperus alternifolius
- Common name: Papyrus grass, Umbrella plant
- Origin: Madagascar and East Africa
- Pot size: Ø17 to 19 cm
- Approximate height: 50 to 70 cm
- Adult size: up to 1.20 m depending on conditions
- Growth: fast
- Ideal exposure: bright light to partial shade
- Watering: regular and generous
- Care: moderate
- Toxicity: non-toxic to animals
- Decorative style: Urban jungle / Zen atmosphere / Elegant water plant
Each plant is unique: photos show an example of its appearance. The density, shape, and shades of its foliage naturally evolve according to light and through the seasons.
Our Verdeia commitments
They embraced nature with Verdeia
Camille, Toulouse“I am amazed by the quality of the plant received! Careful packaging, impeccable foliage, and fast delivery. Thank you Verdeia”
Amandine, Lille“It was my first order and certainly not the last. The selection is varied and the plants radiate health.”
Giulia, Milan“I gave a Verdeia plant to my sister in Milan: perfect packaging and impeccable service. She loved the concept”
FAQ – Everything to know before adopting your Verdeia plant
How are my plants prepared before shipping?
All our plants are carefully selected from our European partner producers.
Before shipping, they are watered, cleaned, and protected by breathable and secure packaging.
Each package is designed to ensure that your plant arrives in perfect health and without stress related to transport.
Will the plant look exactly like the photo?
The photos shown are true to the variety and the announced size (pot diameter and approximate height).
Each plant being unique, slight differences in shape, foliage, or shade may exist — that is what makes them so charming!
What are the delivery times and conditions?
Shipping is done within 48 business hours, with tracked delivery throughout Europe.
Plants are shipped from Monday to Wednesday to prevent them from being stuck over the weekend.
You receive a tracking link as soon as the package is dispatched.
What to do upon receiving my plant?
Open your package upon receipt, carefully remove the plant from its packaging and let it acclimate for 24 hours in its new environment before watering it.
If it has slightly suffered from transport, it will quickly regain its shape after one or two days in the light.
Can I put this plant outside?
It depends on the species. Most indoor plants prefer a bright place without direct sunlight, while outdoor plants like more direct light.
Refer to the exposure advice in the product description to know if it is suitable for a balcony, a terrace, or indoors.
What to do if my plant arrives damaged?
If your plant appears to have suffered during transport, contact us within 48 hours with a photo of the problem.
Our team will take the time to assess the situation and find the best solution: replacement, partial refund, or recovery advice.
Your satisfaction and the health of your plant remain our priority 🌿.
Can I return a plant?
Since plants are living beings, we do not accept standard returns.
However, we guarantee good health upon delivery: if the plant arrives damaged, it will be replaced free of charge.
For any other case (order error, cache-pot, accessory), returns are possible within 14 days.

