How to Transplant Bamboo Plants
Bamboo is actually a robust grass that can grow in a wide variety of climates and soils. With heights ranging from 1 foot to 100 feet, bamboo is further distinguished by root systems, with either clumping bamboo roots or running bamboo roots. Bamboo is commonly used in many decorative and valuable ways. Bamboos may be used for construction and flooring, furniture, kitchen tools, dinnerware, musical instruments, paper and even clothing. If you have bamboo plants growing in an undesirable location, follow a few simple steps to transplant your bamboo. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Prepare your garden bed for the bamboo transplants. For most dwarf or garden bamboos, dig holes roughly 1 foot deep by 1 foot wide, spaced approximately three feet from one another. If you are transplanting medium-sized or tall bamboo, increase the depth and width of the holes as well as the space between each hole. In general, medium-sized species require holes 2 feet deep by 2 feet wide spaced at least six feet apart and tall bamboo should have holes 3 feet deep by 3 feet wide with about 10 feet between them. Work compost into the planting holes along with an equal amount of loose soil. With your shovel, chop around the walls of the planting holes so the bamboo roots can easily penetrate the soil.
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Lift the bamboo plants from the soil. Identify the direction the lower two branches on each of the bamboo plants are growing. The lower branch growth pattern indicates the direction the bamboo rhizomes are growing. With your shovel, dig into the soil about a foot away from the main clump, allowing a wider margin around the rhizomes, ensuring you clear enough of the rhizome to support next year's bamboo shoots. Grab the bamboo plant and gently rock it back and forth as you lift it up from the hole. You may need to cut through any remaining roots still connected under the root ball with the shovel and use as a lever to remove the plant from the soil.
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Submerge the bamboo roots in water. Have a bucket full of water standing by. Once the bamboo plant is out of the soil, immerse the entire root system in water. It is important to keep the bamboo roots moist. If you are working in full sun or particularly windy conditions, mist the bamboo leaves to keep them moist as well.
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Replant the bamboo plants. Working quickly, place the bamboo transplants into the prepared holes. Stand the plants upright and cover the roots with garden soil amended with compost, tapping well so the roots maintain good contact with the soil and there are no air pockets. Cover the entire area with mulch and water it thoroughly.
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Stake the bamboo plants during the first year to maintain vertical growth. Winds can bend the plants, which may cause them to grow at an angle or even damage the roots. Keep the growing area free from weed competition and any pests that may threaten your newly transplanted bamboo plants. Continue watering your plants on a regular schedule.
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Tips & Warnings
It is best to transplant bamboo during the warmer months.
When digging out the bamboo, you must cut through all underground roots and stems.
Keep the root ball moist and the stem shaded at all times.
The bamboo transplant has a higher likelihood of survival if you transplant it immediately.
If immediate transplanting is not possible, wrap the wet roots in plastic and keep them well moistened.
Bamboo transplants may require staking until the root system is firmly established.
Alternatively, you may choose to plant your bamboo in a large flower pot or planter.
Do not allow bamboo roots to dry out.
References
Resources
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