How to Keep Paperwhites from Getting Leggy

Forcing bulbs indoors provides a steady supply of live flowers for winter display. Paperwhite narcissus are especially simple to force because the bulbs require no preparation or special treatment to start growing. Many paperwhite varieties, however, have long stems that become weak and leggy as the plant approaches its flowering period. Preventing legginess ensures the paperwhites remain strong and upright once their heavy blooms begin to open.

Rubbing alcohol that is 70 percent alcohol
Measuring cup or spoon
Watering can or other container

Instructions

- 1
  Keep the paperwhites' pot in a dark, 50-degree Fahrenheit location until the bulbs send out shoots. The cool temperature encourages slow stem growth, which prevents the paperwhite stems from growing too early and become leggy.
- 2
  Move the pot to a brightly lit location where the plants can receive all-day sunlight. Insufficient sunlight causes the stems to stretch and seek light, which causes weak, leggy growth.
- 3
  Combine one part rubbing alcohol that is 70 percent alcohol with 11 parts water. Begin watering the paperwhites with the alcohol-water mixture when their shoots reach a 2-inch height. The alcohol doesn't harm the flowers but encourages them to produce shorter, more compact stems.
- 4
  Rotate the pot every two to three days so the stems don't lean toward the sunlight. Leaning stems can flop over once the flowers bloom.

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