Gardening Tips: How to Care for Bamboo Plants

Bamboo is a grass which thrives in moist, rich soil.

Bamboo plants are fast-growing, water-loving plants that are easily cultivated indoors. They are hardy growers and do well with minimal care, but they do require some time and maintenance on the part of the gardener. Pay attention to how you pot your bamboo and its regular requirements to ensure that you get a plant that is healthy.

Things You'll Need

• Pot
• Potting soil
• Pruning shears

Instructions

1. Pot the bamboo in a wide, shallow pot, with at least 2 inches between the bamboo and the edge of the container.

2. Use a nutrient-rich potting soil in the bamboo pot. Though it is a water-loving plant, it is also a grass and requires soil to grow.

3. Pay attention to the label on the bamboo. There are many varieties of bamboo, and while some require full light, some tolerate full shade. It is important to know what kind of bamboo you have and what kind of light requirements it has.

4. Water bamboo whenever the soil is dry to the touch. When it is first planted, water it daily to give the roots a good start.

5. Trim off weathered bamboo stalks (called culms) whenever you see them by clipping them at the soil level with pruning shears.

6. Control the height of the bamboo by cutting it back just above a branch. This reinforces the bamboo's leafy appearance and allows for more growth later on if you want the bamboo to be taller.

7. Shake bamboo culms periodically to loosen and remove dead leaves. Leave the bamboo leaves on the ground near the bamboo, since they will provide mulch in the fall.

Tips & Warnings

• Plants labeled "lucky bamboo" or "Chinese bamboo" are usually Dracaena plants, not real bamboo, and have different care instructions.

References

• American Bamboo Society: Graceful Grass or Jungle Giant: Growing Bamboo Indoors
• Maryland Cooperative Extension: Bamboo
• American Bamboo Society: Frequently Asked Qustions
• American Bamboo Society: Planting and Caring for Bamboo