Bamboo Planting and Care
- Bamboos are a giant, woody, evergreen grass. They prefer a soil
neutral in pH much like other members of the grass family. They
appreciate a well drained humus soil rich in organic matter. We
recommend the generous use of organic materials high in nitrogen.
Well-composted cow or horse manure (2 years old) is an excellent soil
additive or fall fertilizer and mulch.
- Dig the hole 2 times the root ball diameter and 1.5 times
the depth ofthe 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 cow or horse manure, and 1 part
compost or peat moss.
- Build a soil water retention ring just outside the
planting hole.
- After planting water deeply to remove air pockets. Water
again to fill water ring.
- Mulch with 3” of pine bark or composted manure.
- Water on a weekly basis or as environmental conditions
dictate.
Watering
During the First Year, Watering is
Critical to a successful planting. When you water, water deeply! The
amount and frequency of watering depends upon exposure to wind and sun
as well as temperature. Do not let your plants dry out during
their first year. Leaf curling indicates plant stress and a
need for water. Some plantings require daily watering while others may
need less frequent watering.
Fertilizing
We Do Not Recommend the Application of
Commercial Fertilizers during the First Year. Well-composted cow or
horse manure is rich in nutrients and the best source of organic matter
for your bamboos. Do not use dehydrated manure.
After the First Year, when your
bamboo is established, commercial fertilizers can be used if desired.
Bamboo is a member of the grass family, and
all grasses appreciate a fertilizer high in nitrogen. We suggest
two applications of 50% organic 10-6-4 fertilizer, once in April and
again in June. One application of 50% organic 5-10-5 in September will
stimulate root growth.
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.
Winter
Protection
Most bamboos remain evergreen throughout
the winter. The foliage of some will “beige” to a degree in temperate
areas 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 usually are root-hardy and send out culms in May or June.
-
Adequate Mulching
is most important for winter protection of your plants – a 4 to 6 inch
layer of well-composted manure, or pine bark mulch is recommended.
-
Anti-Desiccant
Spray applied to the foliage is a good way to prevent damage
from drying winter winds.
-
In Extreme Cold
Winter Conditions, bamboos may be bent over out of the wind
and covered
 with over wintering
fabric or pine boughs to prevent desiccation.
Bamboo for
Interiors
Bamboos Make Excellent Interior Plants
Bamboo is Adaptable
Bamboos are a very adaptable plant to either low or bright light
conditions. When bright light conditions are present, bamboo will grow more
vigorously. When low light is prevalent, bamboo grows less vigorously. Leaf
drop will occur in low light conditions to balance the amount of foliage
with available light.
Low Light Acclimation
We can acclimate bamboo for low light interior landscapes by growing the
plants for 3-6 months in specific low light settings. In this manner, the
bamboo drops leaves proportionally to the exact interior light condition. We
are available for consultation to assist in low light acclimation
specifications.
Types of Bamboo
There are two types of bamboo – plants that migrate on a running root
system and clumping types that multiply upon the outside margin of the
plant. Running bamboo become pot bound in 1-2 years. The root system rapidly
fills the pot and takes up the air space in the soil. The air space in the
soil is the water holding space. More frequent watering is required for pot
bound plants. Plan to repot every 12-15 months.
Bamboo with clumping root systems are good choices for interiors because
they do not become rapidly pot bound as do running bamboo. Bambusa multiplex
species are recommended tropical
clumping bamboo.
Plan to repot in 18-30 months.
Direct Planting
For direct planting in a soil area of either running or clumping types we
have developed bamboo in soil bags. The soil bags allow for a fibrous root
system to grow within the bag. Water and nutrients can penetrate the bag
from the planting area creating a permeable membrane for the root system.
Soil bags lower maintenance requirements and improve the longevity of bamboo
when planted directly. Call for more detailed specifications.
Watering
Watering requirements vary with temperatures, available light, the season
of the year and the type of bamboo. The most important factor in
understanding water needs is to understand the condition of the root system.
The longer it has been in the pot the more frequently it needs to be
watered.
Bamboo shows under watering stress by curling its leaves inward to
preserve moisture. To find out how often to water, start by watering daily
then watering every 2 days or 3 days until you understand
the stress level of
your bamboo.
Pests
Bamboo is susceptible to insect infestations as are all indoor plants.
Treatment varies depending upon the insect. Consult your local nursery agent
concerning the variety of chemical options available. Ultra-fine oil is an
effective alternative to chemical insecticides. A thorough washing of the
foliage with cold water is usually sufficient to control insect
infestations; however, this is sometimes not a practical solution.
We do not recommend
the application of safer soap on bamboo as it burns the foliage.
Soil Mix
When repotting or for direct planting a well-drained soil mix is
essential. We recommend Fafard 52 which comes in 3 cu. ft. bags that weigh
50 lbs. each. This product is available from us at the cost of $15 plus
shipping
Fertilization
Fertilizers are available in liquid or granular forms. Liquid fertilizers
tend to build up salt levels in the soil with prolonged use. We recommend a
slow release granular fertilizer. Scotts Osmocote High N (nitrogen) with
micro-nutrients is an excellent fertilizer for bamboo. The high nitrogen
formulation (22-4-8) gives bamboo what it wants – lots of nitrogen. Topdress
the fertilizer on the bamboo and it will last 7-9 months depending on the
temperature. We sell this product for $5/lb. One pound will be
sufficient to
fertilize 5 #10 size plant
Bamboo on the Roof
Unique Challenges
Plants on the rooftop present unique environmental challenges whether
individual containers or raised planters. Rooftops are harsh environments
for live plant material. In the temperate areas of Zone 4-7 there are often
extreme contrasts in temperature during winter months, which cause rapid
freeze/thaw cycles and root injury. In Zone 8-11, where the growing season
is virtually year round, understanding watering needs and the effects of
drying winds is of key importance to a successful rooftop garden.
Site Considerations
Wind exposure, light patterns and temperature extremes are important site
considerations. This information can be used in the selection of an
appropriate palette of plant material. Weight, fire
codes, building and
city regulations also important in developing a rooftop design.
Planter Design
The most important factors in planter design are planter dimensions,
drainage and insulation requirements. We recommend a minimum depth and width
of 24” for planting of running bamboo. A larger planter is needed for
planting tall bamboos (15’) in high wind areas. A planter that is two foot
in depth and four feet in width will provide adequate soil mass to anchor
taller bamboos.
Positive drainage at the bottom of the planter is essential.
Prefabricated drainage mats or 2 inches of 1/2" stone covered with a soil
membrane are two of the most common drainage techniques on planter design.
Water must also have a place to go on the roof. This should be an intregal
part of the rooftop design.
Insulation on the sides of the planter is necessary in Zones 4-7 and
beneficial in Zones 8-11. In Zones 4-7, insulation prevents rapid
freeze/thaw cycles that cause root injury. In Zones 8-11, insulation keeps
the soil at a more even temperature preventing heat and water stress. Refer
to planter
specifications at
the bottom of the page for methods.
Soil Mix and Fertilizer
A well-drained soil mix with light weight characteristics are ideal for
rooftop plantings. We recommend Fafard 52, a soil-less mix, for pots and
planters. It is a high nutrient mix with good drainage and water retention.
Scotts High N fertilizer, 22-4-8, and Fafard 52 are a successful combination
for rooftop planters.
Watering
The amount and frequency of watering is dependent upon the condition of
the roots in the soil, environmental exposure to wind, sun, temperature and
general vigor of the plant. Watering demands change seasonally and are also
affected when bamboo in planters become pot bound. A pot bound planter
requires more frequent watering. Small containers on the roof or deck
usually should be checked daily for water stress, especially during warm
weather periods. Larger planters and direct planting designs usually require
automated drip irrigation systems, which can be adjusted for the
weather, the season
and for the more frequent water needs of a pot bound planter.
Winter Care
In temperate Zones 4-7 freezing temperatures and frigid winds can
desiccate (turn brown) bamboo foliage. A frozen root system can not readily
replace water to the leaves. The application of anti-desiccant sprays on
leaves help retain moisture. Wilt Pruf or Vaporguard are available at most
nurseries or garden centers. Spray in mid-December, January and February for
best results.
Consultation and Design
We are available for consultation and assistance in designing your
rooftop garden. Gardens on the roof often bring up complex issues with plant
selection, planter design and maintenance
specifications. Let
us assist you in these matters. Call for additional information.
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 in
zones 8, 9, 10. If water is easily found in one direction and not in
another, a bamboo will travel toward 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 woods. They
will create an understory beneath the evergreen boughs. New Shoot
Removal. Remove unwanted new shoots by cutting them to the ground each
spring.
Regular Mowing.
Maintain a 24’ band of grass around the bamboo planting. This will
contain a running bamboo by cutting off new shoots as they occur in the
lawn area.
New Shoot
Removal
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.
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.
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