Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Paperwhite Narcissus Plant Care
Narcissus tazetta L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is known for its clusters of small, fragrant, white flowers with yellow centers. Originating from the Mediterranean region, Narcissus tazetta is highly sought after by plant collectors for its beautiful blooms and sweet scent that fills the garden in early spring.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–70°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Paperwhite Narcissus?
Water Paperwhite Narcissus every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–70°F (10–21°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats and dogs, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Paperwhite Narcissus Native To?
What Is the Paperwhite Narcissus?
Paperwhite Narcissus (Narcissus tazetta) belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family within the Narcissus genus. Paperwhite Narcissus is native to Mediterranean region. Paperwhite Narcissus is also known as Paperwhite, Chinese Sacred Lily, Joss Flower.
Paperwhite Narcissus displays an upright, clumping perennial growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately . Paperwhite Narcissus produces showy, fragrant flowers in shades of yellow, white, and orange.
How Often Should You Water a Paperwhite Narcissus?
Narcissus tazetta requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Paperwhite Narcissus Need?
Paperwhite Narcissus thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Paperwhite Narcissus Prefer?
Narcissus tazetta grows best at temperatures of 50–70°F. Paperwhite Narcissus prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–70°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Paperwhite Narcissus?
Well-draining, fertile soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Paperwhite Narcissus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Paperwhite Narcissus?
Feed Paperwhite Narcissus every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Paperwhite Narcissus?
Repot every 2-3 years after flowering. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Paperwhite Narcissus?
Paperwhite Narcissus can be propagated through division of offsets, bulb scales, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to daffodil plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Paperwhite Narcissus Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic to cats and dogs
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list, which covers Narcissus species (which includes Paperwhite Narcissus). View the ASPCA entry
Toxic to humans and pets if ingested
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Paperwhite Narcissus?
Paperwhite Narcissus is susceptible to aphids, narcissus bulb fly, slugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Paperwhite Narcissus Need?
Paperwhite Narcissus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 7a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 7a. Paperwhite Narcissus is native to Mediterranean region.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 7a – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Paperwhite Narcissus is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Narcissus genus — compare its care with other Narcissus species on PlantoScan.
Narcissus is part of the Amaryllidaceae plant family — browse all Amaryllidaceae genera and species.
Paperwhite Narcissus thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Narcissus tazetta L., family Amaryllidaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 290 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: The ASPCA lists Narcissus species (which includes Paperwhite Narcissus) as toxic to cats and dogs. Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
- Photo: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 7a – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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