Bamboo Growing Tips

Bamboo is a woody perennial, belonging to the evergreen grass family Poaceae. Bamboo growing regions include diverse climates of Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and some parts of America. They are hardy plants, which can grow easily in different soil and climatic conditions. Bamboo has been used as a construction material for a long time in Asia, and other parts of the world. They are inexpensive, and now form a part of contemporary décor. The lush green foliage, and its distinct upright growth, makes bamboo quite popular for growing in the gardens or in houses. There are some bamboo growing tips, one should know to ensure a healthy growth.

Growing Bamboo from Cuttings
Bamboos are invasive in nature; it is almost impossible to uproot the complete plant, as most types of bamboo shoots grow from rhizomes (vertical underground stems). One way to propagate is to cut off part of the root and the stem, and plant it in the ground. Another method is to use the clumps of the bamboo. Clumps are the horizontal rhizomes that grow along the surface of the soil, right next to the main plant. Dig around one such clump, and divide them by carefully separating the roots into clumps of three a piece. Plant them in the ground or small pots.

Instructions on Growing Bamboo in Water
Bamboo plants that are grown in water mostly belong to species, like willowy green bamboo, golden goddess bamboo, etc. These are normal bamboo plants, whose height gets curtailed by the container water. Growing bamboo plants in water is very popular and finding them will not be difficult. Many plant nurseries and home décor stores have them. Pick the young canes with a healthy foliage and few sprouted roots. Use a decorative container of glass, ceramic, or earthenware. Place and hold down the bamboo canes in place, using some decorative pre-treated colorful stones. Pour water in the container, until three-quarters full. Place the container in a location, where it can receive partial or diffused sunlight. Replace the water, once every week; and add liquid manure once in a month. Keep a check for any contamination in the water, especially around or on the stones. If you find some, take it out and clean them, before placing them back in the container.

Growing White Bamboo
White bamboo is officially known as 'Amoenus', a variety of Dendrocalamus minor. It is a small member of the giant, clumping bamboo plants. It is not really white, but as its new shoots and clumps are heavily covered in white powder, it is called as white or ghost bamboo. It is a traditional ornamental plant, with large foliage that turns pale green, and matures to yellow green with darker stripes on them. It can be grown singularly or in large numbers. It is a very fast growing bamboo, with new growth appearing at the end of winter. It can be propagated through cuttings of its clumps as well as its rhizomes. It is cold resistant and can be grown in cold climates without any extra care.

Growing Bamboo in Cold Climate
Bamboo grown in the house can be protected from extreme cold, by ensuring air ventilation, and placing close to a light source for some warmth. It is okay if your plant sheds its leaves, as new ones will sprout back in spring. For bamboo plants grown outdoors, it is best to grow cold-hardy bamboos, like Fargesia dracocephala, Phyllostachys heteroclada, etc.

Like all plants, bamboo though a hardy plant, needs nurturing and care to grow healthy. They can be successfully grown using some bamboo growing tips, either in the indoors in water containers or pots, or outdoors in the garden. Bamboo plants look beautiful as hedges, as well as standalone.