Bamboo Planting and Care

Bamboo is a Member of the Grass Family and likes a well-drained soil of neutral ph (6.5) and high organic content. Bamboo does not appreciate planting where the soil is wet for extended periods of time, and will not survive in a marsh or bog. Dig a hole twice as large and deep as the plant's root ball or container. Mix a Back-fill of 2 parts topsoil, 1 part well-composted manure, and 1 part compost or peat moss. Place the Plant in the hole at the same depth as its natural soil line (at the level it was in its container). Fill around the root ball with the backfill mix, and make a soil ring around the base of the plant to retain water. Water Twice Thoroughly. Mulch to a depth of 4 inches with material such as well composted manure, leaf humus, or pine bark mulch. Do not use commercial fertilizers on new plantings.

During the First Year, Watering is Critical to a successful planting. When you water, water deeply! The 4-inch mulch will conserve moisture, but generally, your bamboo will need watering once a week from Spring to Fall. Your plants should not be allowed to dry out during their first year year. Leaf curling or roll indicates stress and need of water.

Water is a natural barrier for running bamboos; they do not like and will not grow beyond the edge of a pond or stream. Restriction of Water will also serve as a barrier. If water is easily found in one direction and not in another, a bamboo will travel towards the water supply. Both of these natural barriers methods are highly effective. Light Runners that appreciate full sun, when planted along the edge of a conifer forest, will not migrate into the deep shade of the wood, but will create a natural under story beneath the evergreen boughs.

When bamboos "shoot" in the spring, break off any unwanted culms. Regular Mowing of a 25 - foot band of grass will contain a running bamboo by cutting off any new shoots which try to cross that area.

We Do Not Recommend the Application of Commercial Fertilizers During the First Year. Well-composted manure is rich in nutrients and the best source of organic matter for your bamboos. After the First Year, when your bamboo is established, commercial fertilizers can be used if desired. As a member of the grass family, bamboo has similar needs. We suggest three applications of 50% organic 10-6-4 fertilizer, once in April, once in June and once again in September. If You Are Using Soluble Fertilizer, a weak solution applied every month during the growing season (April through September) will provide adequate nutrients for your plants.

Most bamboos remain evergreen throughout the winter. The foliage of some will "beige" to a degree depending upon the severity of the weather, exposure, and degree of winter protection. Bamboo planted in marginally hardy areas, or where exposed to a high wind-chill factor, will often die back to the ground, but will remain root-hardy and send out culms in May or June. Adequate Mulching is most important for winter protection of your plants - a 6 to 8 inch layer of well-composted manure, oak leaf humus or pine bark mulch is recommended. Anti-Desiccant Spray applied to the foliage is a good way to prevent damage from the drying winter winds. In Extreme Winter Conditions, bamboos may be bent over and covered with burlap or pine boughs to prevent desiccation.

Bamboos Make Excellent Interior Plants. Be sure to select the appropriate variety for your inside location. Generally, a cool room temperature is critical in low light conditions. Plan to repot every year or two.

General Planting Procedures

• Bamboos appreciate a well-drained humus soil, rich in organic matter. They prefer the soil neutral in ph much like the grass family of which they are a member -- bamboos are a giant, woody, evergreen grass. We recommend the generous use of organic materials high in nitrogen. Well-composed manure (2 years old) is an excellent soil additive or Fall fertilizer.
• Dig the hole 2 times the root ball diameter and 1.5 times the depth of the root ball. Add 6" of well-composted manure beneath the root ball as a planting base to feed the bamboo.
• Make sure the bamboo is at the same planting depth as it was in the container.
• Use a soil mix around the base of the bamboo of 2 parts topsoil, 1 part well-composted manure, and 1 part compost or peat moss.
• After planting, water deeply to supply adequate moisture. WE recommend watering on a weekly basis.

Natural Controls for Bamboo

• Water is a natural barrier for running bamboos; they do not like water and will not grow beyond the edge of a pond or stream.
• Restriction of Water will also serve as a barrier. If water is easily found in one direction and not in another, a bamboo will travel towards the water supply. Both of these natural barrier methods are highly effective.
• Light. "Runners" that appreciate full sun, when planted along the edge of a conifer forest, will not migrate into the deep shade of the wood, but will create a natural understory beneath the evergreen boughs.
• Regular Mowing of a 25-foot band of grass will contain a running bamboo by cutting off any new shoots that try to cross that area.