Once used by the ancient Egyptians to make paper, papyrus plant is now cultivated as an ornamental in tropical wetlands and as a house plant. Growing in clumps, the thin papyrus stems are topped with dark-green, grass-like rays that resemble umbrella spokes. Some varieties have fountain-like feathery clusters. Fast-growing, Papyrus flowers in late summer, when given enough sunlight. The greenish-brown flower clusters appear at the crown of the rayed stems. Native to wetlands, this exotic-looking plant prefers wet soil so it’s almost impossible to overwater. Brown tips are a sign that the soil is dry.