I have a giant papyrus, which grows from a creeping stem (rhizome?). Any piece of that stem I've ever cut that had roots has kept growing with no ill effects. It grows and spreads very fast.

Thanks, but one more ?, its current container size is 2.5" deep, can I repot it in something more shallow? Would that be better?

Every year, I divide mine, and give away plants.

I cut it in half right through the root ball, and then half that again.

One piece I put back into the pond, and the others I give away. They always survive.

Would I put it into a shallower pot? Probably not. It is not going to stop it from growing. What would be the advantage? It will send out roots into your pond no matter what the size of the pot.

You can plant Cyperus prolifer (a.k.a. C. isocladus) in a shallow pot for looks, if that's what you're after (I love the shallow Asian-theme pots), just don't allow water to come over the crown. Dwarf papyrus should only spread about a foot, so are you wanting to divide because the container is full, or you want to share?

You can start new plants by cutting off the tufts at the top (leaving about 1 in. of stem) and floating them in water. They'll root, then you can pot them up.

Brenda

Standard Papyrus
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1 year later
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Dwarf papyrus
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1 year later
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Here is a link that might be useful: My pond the way it was before the freeze.

Bugs, that 2nd plant looks like umbrella palm (C. alternifolius), not dwarf papyrus. That's the stuff I have in my pond, too, which was damaged by the freezing temps. I think it's going to come back, though, and continue to take over my little puddle. :D

Brenda

Thanks Brenda. I have been calling it dwarf papyrus. I am really bad with the names of plants. Mine died at the tops but tons of new growth has already started.

Here is a link that might be useful: My pond the way it was before the freeze.