Cyperus alternifolius

Scientific name: Cyperus alternifolius

Family: Cyperaceae

Maximum size reached under cultivation: 50 - 100 cm (19.69 - 39.37 inch)

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Recommended pH range: 5.2 - 8.8

Recommended water hardness: 4 - 18°dGH (71.43 - 321.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 17 - 28 °C (62.6 - 82.4°F)

Preferred propagation method: Divisions

Native to: Madagascar

Growth rate: Normal

Recommended substrate: Gravel

Lighting requirements: Bright

Ideal placement in tank: Background

Common Names

Umbrella Plant, Umbrella Sedge, Umbrella Papyrus

Origin

Cyperus alternifolius originates from Madagascar, but has become widely naturalized in tropical and subtropical regions including Africa, Asia, and the Americas. It is commonly grown as a decorative plant near water features or in moist garden settings.

Lighting Requirements

It grows best with 12 to 14 hours of light per day using either natural sunlight or full-spectrum LED lighting. When grown in high humidity and well-lit environments, it produces strong, upright stems and healthy umbrella-like leaf whorls.

Planting Area

Although often listed for aquariums, Cyperus alternifolius is not a true aquatic plant. It should only be used in emersed conditions—such as in paludariums, ripariums, or open-topped aquariums—where the roots stay wet but foliage remains above the waterline. Full submersion will cause the plant to deteriorate over time.

Propagation

The most reliable method of propagation is by dividing the plant. Carefully separate rooted clumps from the main plant, ensuring each division has a healthy set of roots and shoots. Alternatively, plantlets may develop at the base of mature stems or from leaf nodes that contact water. These can be rooted and transplanted once they begin to grow independently.

Difficulty

Medium. While the plant is tolerant of varying water chemistry, it requires consistently moist conditions and bright light. It is best suited for experienced hobbyists maintaining specialized setups such as paludariums or ponds.

Short Description

Cyperus alternifolius, also known as the Umbrella Plant, is an elegant emersed species with long stems topped by whorls of narrow leaves, resembling an umbrella. It brings a vertical accent to wet habitats and is particularly attractive in paludariums, water gardens, or emersed margins of aquariums. Not recommended for full submersion, but excellent when roots are kept wet and foliage remains above water.

This species is especially valued for its ability to thrive in high-humidity indoor environments, making it a popular choice for closed paludariums, ripariums, or open containers with misting systems, where it brings a lush, vertical accent to the space.