Do I discard the soil on a papyrus plant before putting it in water?

I 'd like to put a papyrus plant in a tub of water outside, should I shake off the soil that it was planted in first .It was recommended that I place it in 12 inches of water for optimal results. Any advise

Do I discard the soil on a papyrus plant before putting it in water?
I would not just put larger pebbles on top then summerge it into the water, if possible put some screen on the soil before the pebbles. you may have to take some soil out of the top and replace it with pebbles.