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CHOOSING THE RIGHT LOCATION
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After you have reviewed Bamboo Basics and have selected the type of bamboo you want to grow
(clumping, mountain, or running), you need to choose a site for your plant.
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Keep in mind that Bamboo is an understory plant. In it's native habitat, it grows under or next to a
canopy of trees. Most bamboos will perform adequately in part-sun and part-shade, but if you want
your running bamboo to reach its fullest potential (size and speed of growth), plant it in full sun (6
hours or more of sunlight each day).
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In choosing your planting location, you should also keep in mind the ultimate size of the bamboo.
Bamboo grows relatively quickly so you need to plan ahead for the size of your plant or make
plans to install a barrier or other form of containment.
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PLANTING YOUR BAMBOO
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Bamboo prefers sandy, rich, organic soil, but it will grow in most soil types. If possible, amend
the soil used for planting with compost or mulch. Bamboo prefers soil that is slightly acidic so
pine bark mulch is a good choice. If you have heavy clay soil, it is best to amend the planting
area with coarse sand too. Bamboo are shallow rooted. Most roots will stay within the top 12
inches of soil. The rhizomes will spread just under the soil surface. Don't waste you time
digging deep into the ground to plant your bamboo. Dig a wide shallow hole, not a small deep
one.
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Plant your bamboo so the roots are under the soil but the shoots are at and above the soil level.
Give the plant a good watering to help it establish. You may also top dress your plant with
composted cow manure (available at most home supply stores).
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MULCHING FOR SUMMER DROUGHT AND WINTER COLD
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It is important to mulch your newly planted Bamboo to protect its roots from drying summer heat
and frigid winter cold. Applying a 2-4 inch layer of mulch helps protect the plants growing root
system from stress. Established bamboo plantings will provide their own mulch in the form of
fallen leaves.
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WATERING
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Bamboo is a member of the Grass family and likes a good amount of moisture. If the leaves of
your bamboo plant are curling up like rolled paper, this means you need to water your plant more
frequently or for a longer period of time during each watering. In the summer, you should water
your bamboo at least 2 times a week. When temperatures are cooler, you can water once a week.
Observe the leaves of your plant for signs of water stress. If the leaves are pale and droopy, it
could mean that your planting hole is not draining well enough and the plant is receiving too
much water. Although bamboo is evergreen, it has a definite growing season. Spring for most
runners and late Summer/Fall for most clumpers. This is when moisture is most important. 0
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FERTILIZING
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Bamboo is a fast grower and a heavy feeder. You should apply a pesticide free lawn fertilizer
throughout the growing season as directed. Any fertilizer high in nitrogen should be fine.
Bamboo thrives with the application of composted cow manure as well.
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STAKING AND PRUNING
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You may need to support the canes of young bamboo plants until they become established. You
can prune bamboo to your liking, just remember that when you cut a cane, it will not grow back.
For example, you cut all of the canes of your bamboo plant at 7 feet high. New branches will grow
from the nodes on the remaining portion of the canes, but the bamboo will not re-grow from the
area it was cut.
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PESTS AND DISEASE
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Bamboo is relatively pest and disease free. The main insect pests are bamboo mites, mealybugs
and aphids. Click here for pictures of infested bamboo. A good spraying with water is sometimes
beneficial in washing away these pests. Bamboo can be bothered by other pests which eat the
shoots and rhizomes, such as voles, gophers, rabbits, and squirrels.
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We are here to help. If you have any questions regarding the care of your bamboo, please feel
free to email us at customerservice@blueridgebamboo.com or call us at 864-419-8779.
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