How to Water Paperwhites

Pebble Method

• 1

  Fill a shallow dish with 2 inches of pebbles. Alternatively, use flat floral marbles.

• 2

  Set the paperwhite bulbs on top of the pebbles with the flat sides down, spacing them 1 to 2 inches apart. Push the bulbs into the pebbles just enough so they stand upright securely.

• 3

  Add water to the dish until the water level just touches the bottom of the bulbs. Avoid immersing the bulbs, as this can cause rot.

• 4

  Replenish the water in the dish as necessary to maintain the water level. The roots must remain in the water at all times.

Soil Method

• 5

  Plant the paperwhite bulbs in a pot filled with standard potting soil. Use a pot with at least one bottom drainage hole. Set the bulbs deep enough so just the tip of each bulb shows above the soil's surface.

• 6

  Water the soil until it's thoroughly moistened and the excess water is draining out of the bottom. Allow the pot to drain for 10 to 15 minutes, then empty the collected water from the drip tray.

• 7

  Feel the soil every two to three days. Water again when the top ½ inch of soil begins to feel dry. Empty the drip tray after each watering.