Can Bamboo Plants Be Placed in Soil?

Bamboo commonly grows outdoors in climate zones 5 to 11.

Bamboo plants enjoy well-draining, loamy soils. Small houseplant varieties are often grown in water, but they can be grown in soil as well. Bamboo, a member of the grass family, grows quickly. When allowed to be planted in soil, bamboo derives its nutrients from that medium. An exhaustive number of bamboo species exist for home and landscaping use. Soil planting requirements don't change from species to species, but care should be taken to ensure the soil has the proper drainage properties. Bamboo derives nitrogen from the decomposing organic matter in the soil. When planted in water, bamboo feeds on the minerals in the water.

Primary Soil Nutrients for Bamboo

Certain types of bamboo can live directly in water, but eventually the bamboo will need the extra nutrition that soil can provide. The main nutrients that bamboo uses to supply its rapid growth are nitrogen, phosphate and potash. The nitrogen improves the above-ground growth and the phosphate helps to develop the root system. The potash also encourages strong roots, but it also improves plant hardiness.

Secondary Soil Nutrients for Bamboo

Water-soluble magnesium, sulfur and iron also improve the growing rate and health of bamboo canes. These nutrients, along with the primary nutrients, can be applied to the surface or worked into the soil around the bamboo. A ratio of 13-3-13 is the recommended fertilizer for bamboo and contains all of the necessary nutrients for optimal bamboo growth. Keep the fertilizer off the leaves to avoid burning, and apply in the spring and fall.

Planting Bamboo and Amending the Soil

Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball of the bamboo plant you're planting. If the root ball is 2 inches wide, the hole should be 4 inches wide. If the root ball is 1 foot wide, the hole should be 2 feet wide. Dig the hole with a shovel. Mix the soil removed from the hole with composted manure and peat moss. For clay type soils, mix 25 percent manure, 25 percent peat moss and 50 percent original soil together.

Compost and Mulching the Bamboo

Line the bottom of the hole with the amended soil. The amount will depend on the size and depth of the hole. Place the root ball of the bamboo plant down into the hole. Center it. Fill soil in around the root ball and on top of it until the hole is full and the dirt is level. Soak the hole with water until all air bubbles stop coming to the surface. Fill in any areas where the soil has settled with more dirt. Pack the soil with the blade of the shovel. Add 3 inches of mulch around the bamboo plant to hold in the moisture. Water thoroughly over the first three weeks to ensure the bamboo acclimates properly to its new environment.

References

• Bamboo Grove; Species of Bamboo
• On Thai Time' Growing Bamboo Successfully
• Lewis Bamboo; Bamboo Planting Instructions
• Bamboo 4 U; Bamboo Plant Care