If you’re craving greenery in the winter or simply don’t have outdoor space to garden, paperwhites are some of the easiest flowering plants to grow indoors. Ideal for both beginners and experienced gardeners, they require no chilling period and will bloom within a few weeks when given the right container, proper water levels and a bright spot. With just a little setup, you can turn bare bulbs into fragrant, blooming arrangements that will brighten any space.
Ahead, we’ve asked gardening experts how to force paperwhites indoors like a pro and troubleshoot common problems along the way, including simple tricks to support tall stems.
What Are Paperwhites?
Paperwhites are a type of narcissus bulb beloved by gardeners for their fragrant, star-shaped white flowers. Unlike most spring bulbs, they bloom quickly and don’t require a chilling period, which is why paperwhites are a favorite for indoor growing. Many gardeners force paperwhites indoors in late fall and winter for a fresh pop of color and fragrance during the colder months.
When to Force Paperwhites Indoors
Start paperwhites indoors four to six weeks before you want them to bloom.
“The secret to enjoying paperwhite blooms is timing,” says Peggy Anne Montgomery, horticulturist at Flowerbulb.eu. “For winter gardeners, this gives them just the right amount of time to take root and burst into fragrant, festive bloom when the holidays arrive.”
That said, Montgomery cautions that results will vary. “Some bulbs may have already sprouted when you buy them. It can be fun to plant two batches two weeks apart to help ensure they bloom when you want. If they’re growing too fast, put them in a very cool place.”
How to Force Paperwhites Step by Step
Choose firm, healthy paperwhite bulbs without soft spots or any visible signs of mold. “Bigger bulbs mean more blooms and a showier, more fragrant result,” Montgomery explains.
“Place bulbs in a shallow container with drainage or in a decorative bowl with pebbles and water,” adds Chris Link, co-owner at Plant Addicts. “Set bulbs close together, pointed side up, with their base just touching the water or planted in a well-draining potting mix.”
If using water, keep the water level just below the base of the bulbs to help prevent rot.
Place the container in a bright, cool spot that’s 50-60°F for the first couple of weeks to encourage strong root development. “Once shoots are two inches tall, move them to a sunny location at normal room temperature,” Link continues. “Bright, indirect light helps prevent leggy growth.”
Rotate the container every few days for even growth. Shoots will appear in two to three weeks, with fragrant blooms soon after. “The bulbs will drink more as they grow,” Montgomery says.
How to Keep Paperwhites From Falling Over
Taller paperwhite stems can quickly get top-heavy and require a little TLC.
“As the foliage gets taller, it can flop over,” Montgomery explains. “I often plant them in a tall, clear vase that will help hold the leaves upright. Using a tall and wide clear vase also leaves room for decorating with slender birch stems or small, colorful holiday ornaments.”
A clever hack Montgomery recommends: vodka. “It slows growth to a degree so paperwhites don’t get too tall and flop over,” she says. “When roots are showing and new growth is an inch or so tall, water with a mixture of one part vodka to seven parts water. Cheers!”
Why Paperwhites Might Not Bloom and How to Fix It
Paperwhites may fail to bloom for several reasons. “One frequent issue is overwatering,” Montgomery says. “If bulbs sit in waterlogged conditions, they can rot before producing flowers.”
Another potential cause is insufficient light. “Bulbs grown in dark or dim areas may develop weak, leggy stems or fail to flower,” she adds. “Placing your paperwhites in a bright, sunny window or providing indirect light encourages strong, healthy blooms and ensures a fragrant, cheerful display.”
What to Do After They Bloom
Many gardeners treat paperwhites as annual or one-season bulbs indoors. After flowering, you can compost the bulbs or use them in your garden depending on your climate and timing.
If you want to save your bulbs for next season, “cut off spent flowers and leave foliage to grow until it yellows naturally,” Montgomery says. “Then, dry the bulbs and store them in a cool, dry and dark place to be replanted in the fall for the following season.”
With a little care and attention, forcing paperwhites indoors is an easy, cheerful way to brighten cold winter days or bring gardening indoors when outdoor space is limited.
