Brown Leaves on Bamboo Plants

Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants on Earth.

Finding some brown leaves on your bamboo plants is normal. Bamboos replace their leaves every year and brown and yellow leaves can be found whenever the new leaves form.

Species

Some bamboo species often have brown tips. These species include Fortune Inviting, Black and Square Stem bamboo. Brown tips can be prevented by keeping your bamboo in an atmosphere with high humidity.

Watering

Bamboo leaves may turn brown at the tips if they aren't watered properly. Bamboos need a lot of water and should be watered at least twice a week. In warm or windy areas, they might need watering as much as five times a week.

Other Reasons

Sometimes bamboo leaves turn brown because of wind damage. They can also turn brown if they're exposed to chlorinated water or salt or boggy soil. In summer or early autumn, the high temperatures can cause browning.

References

• Lewis Bamboo: Frequently Asked Bamboo Questions
• Mr. Bamboo Care: Troubleshooting
• Complete Bamboo: Bamboo Maintenance and Upkeep
• Complete Bamboo: Buyer's Guide

Resources

• Maryland Cooperative Extension: Home and Garden -- Bamboo
• American Bamboo Society