Paperwhite Ziva is a fragrant indoor plant, ideal for winter. Known for being “forced” into bloom without chilling, they are perfect for quick displays. Their sweet, musky scent and bright white flowers transform indoor spaces.
Getting Started: Planting and Forcing
To grow Paperwhite Ziva, select firm, healthy bulbs. Avoid soft, bruised, or moldy bulbs, as they may not grow. Choose a container depending on your planting method.
Paperwhites can be grown two ways: water forcing or planting in soil. For water forcing, use a shallow container (e.g., glass vase or bowl) filled with pebbles or glass gems. Arrange bulbs so their bases barely touch the water; submerging them leads to rot. Roots grow into water, bulb stays dry.
Alternatively, plant Paperwhite Ziva in a well-draining potting mix. Use a container with or without drainage; good drainage prevents waterlogging. Plant bulbs shallowly, with one-third to one-half exposed above the soil. This shallow planting prevents rot and allows shoots to emerge.
After planting, place the container in a cool location, between 50-60°F (10-15°C), out of direct sunlight for one to two weeks. This encourages root development before vigorous shoot growth. Once green shoots appear, move the container to a brighter spot for strong, upright growth.
Ongoing Care During Growth
Once Paperwhite Ziva bulbs sprout, consistent care ensures healthy, vibrant blooms. They thrive in bright, indirect light; positioning them near a sunny window without intense direct sun is ideal. Too little light results in weak, leggy growth, while harsh direct sun scorches foliage.
Watering differs by method. For water-forced bulbs, regularly check and replenish water, keeping the bulb’s base just touching it. For soil-planted bulbs, maintain consistent moisture, watering when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as soggy conditions quickly lead to bulb rot.
Optimal temperature contributes to healthy growth and extended bloom time. Paperwhite Ziva prefers average room temperatures, between 60-70°F (15-21°C). A cooler environment once actively growing can prolong flowering. Avoid placing them near heat sources like radiators or vents, which dries out the plant and shortens bloom time.
As Paperwhite Ziva grows, its stems can become tall and slender, prone to toppling with heavy flower clusters. Support prevents this and maintains an attractive display. Small stakes, bamboo canes, or decorative ties can gently prop up stems for prominent display.
Post-Bloom Care
After Paperwhite Ziva blooms fade, their indoor life cycle concludes. These bulbs expend significant energy for a prolific indoor display. Due to this energy depletion, Paperwhite Ziva bulbs are single-use for indoor forcing.
Re-forcing them indoors is usually unsuccessful, as they require complex dormancy and replenishment difficult to replicate. Once flowers wither and foliage yellows, discard the bulbs. While theoretically possible to plant outdoors in specific, mild climates (USDA Zones 8-10) for future blooms, success is rare and requires conditions most cannot provide.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Leggy growth, with excessively tall, floppy stems, is a frequent challenge. This often occurs with insufficient light or overly warm temperatures, causing stretching. Moving the plant to a brighter, cooler location and providing support can help.
If Paperwhite Ziva bulbs are not blooming, several factors are at play. Insufficient light during growth or consistently warm temperatures can inhibit flower development. Unhealthy or poor-quality bulbs may lack stored energy to produce flowers. Ensuring proper light and starting with firm, healthy bulbs can prevent this.
Rot or mold on bulbs can signal overwatering or improper planting. Bulbs sitting too deep in water or in soggy soil become susceptible to fungal issues. Adjusting water level so only roots are submerged in water-forced setups, or allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings for soil-planted bulbs, mitigates this. Good air circulation around bulbs also helps.
Indoor Paperwhites may attract common houseplant pests like fungus gnats. These small, dark flies signal consistently moist soil, laying eggs in damp conditions. Allowing the top soil layer to dry out between waterings reduces their population. Simple remedies include yellow sticky traps or products targeting larvae in the soil.