How to Drown Bamboo

Saturate the root zone to cause root rot and death.

As bamboo culms grow, they are comprised of 85 percent water. Ironically, the plant can't be exposed to too much water or the bamboo will drown. Bamboo grows best in well-draining soil and can't grow in waterlogged, swampy soil. The plant needs regular irrigation to fill its shoots, but standing water will cause root rot and eventual plant death. To drown bamboo, simulate a waterlogged environment.

Things You'll Need

• Pruning shears
• Watering can
• Hose

Instructions

1. Chop down the tall culms. It will make it more manageable and easier to see the base of the plants. Cut across the bamboo a 3 or 4 inches above the soil surface. The culms should be short enough to manage but tall enough to spot signs of root rot.

2. Pour water into a watering can or grab a hose. Aim the nozzle at the base of the unwanted bamboo plants.

3. Let the water run over the root zone. At first the water will soak in to the soil. Keep watering until it pools on the soil surface.

4. Watch the water level. As the soil starts to dry out, add more water. The goal is to keep it consistently saturated. Wet soil leaves no space for oxygen under the soil surface, so the roots will rot, killing the bamboo.

5. Look for signs of root rot. The stalks may become soft and hollowed. The color may turn from green to a yellowish brown. Continue watering until the bamboo is dead.

References

• Tropical Bamboo Nursery and Gardens: Tropical bamboo FAQ's
• American Bamboo Society: Graceful Grass or Jungle Giant; Growing Bamboo Indoors; Susanne Lucas
• Cornell University: Armillaria Root Rot
• Master Garden Products: Growing Bamboo