Bamboo is really easy to look after and maintain. In our experience bamboo is a very endearing plant which you just want to take care of. It becomes part of the family. It takes all kind of rough treatment and rewards even the laziest of gardeners.
PLANTING BAMBOO INTO THE GROUND
When bamboo is first planted into the ground it can dry out quickly.
Before putting your new bamboo into the ground it is a good idea to give it a soak in water for a few hours. You could also add a watered down mix of seaweed solution or any other liquid fertilizer rich in Nitrogen.
SITE PREPARATION
When filling in around the roots garden mix can be used. The hole for your bamboo should be twice the width of the pot that it came in and the depth should be just over the depth of the pot. At the base of the hole add compost to feed the roots. Do not add any other chemical fertilizers at this stage as they could cause harm to the developing roots.
Before placing bamboo into hole fill the hole with water to aid moisture retention for the young plant.
Take your bamboo from its pot, place into the prepared site and tramp soil while watering in. Bamboo likes to be snug in the ground with no air around its roots.
Be careful not to disturb the roots when taking your bamboo from its pot.
The last thing to do is spread some fertilizer on top being careful to leave a space of approximately 10cm from the culms. Then mulch to keep moisture in and aid establishment.
Keep the bamboo moist until you notice new foliage and then water deeply at least once or twice a week for the first growth season. During the growth season bamboo responds well to a seaweed shower. Seaweed based hose packs can be purchased at most nurseries and hardware stores.
Within 12-18 months your bamboo will be established and extremely drought tolerant.
For your bamboo to be in its prime it should be kept moist (mulched) and fertilized. Any fertiliser suitable for lawns is good to use as bamboo is a member of the grass family.
PLANTING BAMBOO INTO POTS
- Select a wider pot rather than a deeper pot for your bamboo as it has a shallow root system.
- Choose a premium grade potting mix containing a slow release fertilizer and wetting agent. Add water saving crystals if your potting mix does not contain it.
- Bamboo requires more water when in a pot. Water regularly to avoid potting mix drying out as this stops it from holding further moisture. You will know when your potted bamboo is stressed as the leaves will curl up. This is quickly overcome when water is provided.
- Mulch the pot and if an aesthetic look is required pebbles can be added over the top.
- Make sure the pot has drainage holes as bamboo doesn’t like wet feet for prolonged periods.
- If keeping your potted bamboo inside provide plenty of light and fresh air.
PRUNING
Clumping bamboo sprouts new culms from December to June. Young plants have been known to put up new shoots all year round. Any species can be trimmed to whatever height you desire. Each culm only has to be cut once and will grow no higher. It doesn’t leave an ugly gap; it will grow new foliage to soften where the cut was made.
To prevent overcrowding you may wish to cut off any culms that are between 3 and 4 years old. Simply cut the culm just above ground level with sharp secateurs for thin culms or a small toothed saw for medium to large culms.
It is also good to cut out anything that doesn’t look good. More shoots will come in the growth season to replace any old, damaged, discoloured, faded or unwanted culms.