How to Care for Bamboo Plants
Bamboo plants, although associated with the equatorial
rainforests of Africa are becoming increasingly evident in the
northern hemisphere. Growing indoor bamboo plants is a natural
progression as more lovers of this mysterious plant wish to enjoy
their relaxing nature while indoors.
Bamboo is a forest grass, there are over a thousand different
species with a diversity that includes grasses that grow very
slowly to only a few inches, often referred to as ‘lucky bamboo’
to towering giants over 100ft tall. With so many variations
making a ‘one size fits all’ growing regime is not easy however
there are many basic needs that must be adhered to if you want
your bamboo plant to thrive.
To begin there is the question of light and warmth. Although
there are many bamboos that thrive in more temperate regions including the Himalayas most prefer a warm humid environment which is quite easy to mimic indoors. They can be treated the same as many houseplants which require similar conditions and will cohabitate very well. You should however group like plants together to make it easier to maintain the conditions needed. While tropical bamboo will favour an all year round warm climate the more temperate plants will have a twelve month life cycle associated with available light levels. As light levels reduce in the fall many temperate species of bamboo will go into a dormant state resulting in leaf drop. This is quite normal, the plant should be watered less at this time and feeding should cease. Anyone having experience of indoor bonsai trees will recognise the symptoms as the plant rests and regenerates through winter.
Tropical bamboo will usually stay in leaf all year however with
falling light levels they will need a cooler climate as this is
what the plant associates with it natural environment. Less water
to will be needed too, an over watered plant will develop leaf
drop while too little water will result in leaf curl.
Pots should be shallow and wide rather than deep. Bamboo roots
usually spread horizontally looking for nutrients if the pot is
too deep water not taken up can become stagnant and sour which
will cause root rot. Place the pot on a bed of pebbles or stone
so with a little water added. This will increase the humidity
around the plant, you should spray lightly occasionally too. As
your indoor bamboo plant grows it will become root bound and the
plant will need transferring to a bigger pot. If you wish to
limit the growth you can treat your bamboo the same as a bonsai
tree and remove one third of the roots before replacing in the
same pot.
Since bamboo plants grown indoors cannot get any nutrients from the
soil you must feed regularly with an appropriate mixture. Leaf
growth is sustained in all plant species by the presence of
nitrogen therefore ensure that you use a high nitrogen low potash
feed, water soluble is best.
Growing indoor bamboo plants can provide a calming and often
mystical atmosphere in the home once you have experienced the
calmness evoked by these wonderful plant you will be hooked.
Quick Tips for Lucky Bamboo
Those who follow Feng Shui often use lucky bamboo plants as a lucky charm.
Why the Bamboo Orchid Is So Successful As an Indoor Plant
They will help you find a suitable plant and make sure that you have the proper setting and food for it to bloom and thrive.
Gone Green Site: Give the Gift of Luck with Lucky Bamboo
Customary in ancient Chinese culture a gift of living bamboo brings good fortune.
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