Paperwhites Not Rooting . Here are four ways to keep your paperwhites from falling over. The roots will anchor themselves by growing around and under the stones. Easily Grow Paperwhites Getting Holiday Ready 2 Bees in a Pod from 2beesinapod.com Ensure that the water level is below the base or bottom of the bulbs. Once the roots emerge from the bulbs and there is an inch or two of green growth (usually about a week or so), gently empty the plain water from the container. Fill with a coarse potting soil mix.