What indoor narcissus are
Narcissus is a genus of spring bulbs that includes daffodils. When people talk about indoor narcissus, they usually mean paperwhites, which are commonly sold as bulbs for forcing in winter, or potted daffodils sold in bloom for a few weeks of color. Both can be enjoyed on a windowsill, but they are generally treated as short-term seasonal displays rather than permanent houseplants.
Are narcissus and daffodils the same plant?
Mostly, yes. “Narcissus” is the botanical genus and “daffodil” is the common name used for many of its members. Paperwhites are a type of narcissus that is usually grown indoors, because they are tender and do not need a long cold period to flower. Many classic yellow daffodils need a prolonged chilling period before they bloom, which makes them harder to force at home without cold storage.
How to plant paperwhite narcissus indoors
Two methods are widely used:
- In pebbles and water: Set the bulbs pointy end up in a shallow container filled with stones, glass beads or similar material. Add water so the level sits just below the base of the bulbs. If the bulb itself sits in water, it can rot.
- In potting mix: Plant in a pot with drainage holes, with the tips of the bulbs just showing above the soil, and water lightly to settle the mix.
Bulbs can be placed fairly close together for a full look. Roots usually begin to form within days, and flowers commonly follow within several weeks, though timing depends on the variety and room temperature.
Light, temperature and water
- Light: Bright light once shoots appear. A little time in a cooler, dimmer spot at the start can encourage roots first.
- Temperature: Cooler rooms generally make flowers last longer and keep stems shorter. Heat sources and hot, sunny windows can shorten bloom time.
- Water: For pebble displays, top up the water as it drops and refresh it if it turns cloudy. For potted bulbs, keep the mix lightly moist rather than soaked.
Preventing floppy stems
Paperwhites often grow tall and fall over. Stakes, a deeper container, or a loose ring of twine can help. Brighter light and cooler conditions also reduce stretching. Some extension services have described using a weak alcohol solution in the water to limit stem height, but this is a specialized technique, so follow a reputable source’s exact instructions if you try it.
After flowering: will they come back?
Paperwhites forced in water have used most of their stored energy and are usually discarded after blooming. Bulbs forced in soil can sometimes be planted outdoors in very mild climates, but results are uncertain.
Do potted daffodils come back every year? They can, if they are hardy in your area. After blooming, let the leaves die back naturally while the bulb recharges, then plant them outdoors in the garden or leave them in a pot outside. Indoor reblooming is unreliable because the bulbs need a cold period.
Are narcissus poisonous?
Yes, treat all parts as toxic. Narcissus and daffodils are considered poisonous to dogs, cats and people if eaten, with the bulb usually described as the most hazardous part. Symptoms can include drooling, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea, and larger amounts may cause more serious effects.
Keep bulbs, pots and any water from bulb vases away from pets and young children. The sap can also irritate skin, so wear gloves if you have sensitive skin, and do not store bulbs where they could be mistaken for onions. If anyone has eaten part of a narcissus, contact a doctor, poison control center or veterinarian immediately.
Related reading
For another winter bulb with showy flowers, see our guide to amaryllis indoors and outdoors.
FAQ
How do I take care of a narcissus indoors? Provide bright light, cool temperatures, moist but not waterlogged conditions, and support for tall stems.
Do potted daffodils return? Often outdoors in suitable climates, not reliably indoors.
How long will paperwhites bloom? Often a couple of weeks, longer in cooler rooms.