Yes, I'd trim off the brown stuff. With new shoots coming up, it sounds healthy. It might be the heat, or the shoots are just dying from old age...or anything, really. My umbrella plant has shoots that die off and on throughout the year, but it always sends up new ones.

Do you have the base of the plant above the water line? You don't want to drown the poor little dear. :)

Brenda

Hi Sparky7,
I bought dwarf papyrus for my pond in June and it is growing very well. The older tufts are turning brown but (according to the article I'll list below) that is to be expected this time of year. I followed the advice from the tech at Wedells and placed it on a plant ledge so that the water level in just at the top of the container.

Here's the article I found on it...I am going to pot mine and bring it indoors for the winter:

Home > Pond Plants > Bog Plants > Dwarf Papyrus

Due to variations within species, your item may not look identical to the image provided.
Dwarf Papyrus
(Cyperus haspens)
QUICK STATS
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Aggressive
Lighting: Natural
Placement: Edge
Water Conditions: 70-80° F, pH 6.5-7.5
Propogation: Flower Heads upside down in water
Max. Size: 2' 6"
Color Form: Yellow
Origin: Farm Raised
Family: Cyperaceae
The Dwarf Papyrus, also known as the Dwarf Egyptian Papyrus is an excellent marshy plant in small pools or when kept as a houseplant. It is the dwarf variety of the Giant Papyrus, and has strong stems reaching up to 30 inches tall with tufted umbrella-like foliage on the end. The tufts are yellow-green and turn a rich bronze in late summer.
Dwarf Papyrus make excellent deck and patio accents when planted in tubs or kettles and set in full sun to partial shade. They have very high moisture needs, so be sure to keep the appropriate amount of water in the pot. Dwarf Papyrus prefers a water depth of 1 to 4 inches over their crowns. They can be invasive if planted directly at the pond edge; they are controllable by placing them in 2-gallon containers before placing them in the water. Spreads 12".

When a stem bends over and touches the water, it will create new plantlets. If you want to speed up this process, cut off flower heads and float them upside down in water. Zones 9-11.

Deborah

Here is a link that might be useful: Home > Pond Plants > Bog Plants > Dwarf Papyrus

Normal for a few older stems to turn brown occasionally. Do trim them off as close to the base as possible.

Heat should not be a problem for a plant native to Egypt. :)