How to Grow Bamboo in the Shade

Bamboo plants come in several hundred varieties, divided into two groups. The running types of bamboo spread their roots outward, far and wide. The clumping types stay more intact. Bamboo trees can grow as tall as 20 feet in one season. Bamboo is the food choice of panda bears. The bamboo plants multiply as the rhizomes are dug up and replanted. Bamboos are warm temperate grasses grown best in tropical weather, but they also thrive in the shade.

Things You'll Need

• Garden shovel
• Bamboo rhizomes
• Mulch
• Insect repellent

Instructions

1. Choose a variety of bamboo to grow best in the setting where you will grow them. With such a large variety to choose from, you will find an ideal bamboo for your climate and yard size.

2. Dig up and loosen the soil in the ground area where you will grow your bamboo. Since the bamboo will be grown in the shade, make sure there are tall trees around the area to block the sun. Bamboo is a shade tolerant plant.

3. Make sure the soil is rich and well draining. Remove all weeds and other plant life. Dig a hole, and then fill it in with the prepared soil.

4. Plant the bamboo root system, or rhizomes, two inches deep in the prepared soil. Do not over water your newly planted bamboo. They do not like wet soil. Let the soil dry out between waterings.

5. Place a store-bought bag of mulch, which can be found at any garden store, around the bamboo plants. As the bamboo is growing, if you notice any insect problems, treat the plant with a chemical insect repellent.

Tips & Warnings

• The leaves on your bamboo plants will roll up when the plant is thirsty.

• Do not add fertilizer or manure to the dirt when planting your bamboo, as these products will burn the roots.