How to Plant Cloned Bamboo
Canes of bamboo grow from rhizomes, a sort of underground stem. Propagating cloned bamboo by planting harvested pieces of rhizomes with buds is a fast, easy, and inexpensive way to fill the landscape with these wonderful plants.
Bamboo will thrive in nearly any warm climate. It prefers full sun and moderately acidic loamy soil but is tolerant of less than ideal conditions. The planting site should be well drained. Bamboo will require a good deal of water while getting established but does not grow well in swampy areas. Many bamboos can spread quickly. Select a site where its growth can be kept in check.
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Instructions
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Using a shovel, loosen the soil of the planting site to a depth of twelve inches. Heavy soil can be amended with organic material, sand or cinders to improve drainage if needed.
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Plant the rhizomes at a depth of 2 to 4 inches. Align the rhizome in the direction you want the plant to spread.
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Cover the rhizome with soil, gently firming around the plant with your hands.
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Mulch the area with about 2 to 3 inches of hay and manure, bark, or other organic mulch. This will help retain moisture and provide nutrients to the bamboo.
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Water thoroughly to finish compacting the soil and nourish the plant.
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Tips & Warnings
Maintain a shallow trench around the bamboo growing area. When rhizomes become visible, they can be trimmed to prevent the spread of the plant.
A bamboo barrier is a sheet of heavy plastic surrounding the planting area. It is buried to a depth of 24 to 36 inches and extends above ground level for 2 to 4 inches. The barrier is angled to encourage the rhizomes to remain shallow, allowing easier control over the spread of the plant.
Mowing around the growing bamboo patch is another effective way to help keep unwanted spreading in check.
Running bamboo can be uprooted by strong winds. Select protected planting sites, and support the growing bamboo with stakes if needed.
