Bamboo Plant Care

Of all the woody plants, bamboo is the fastest growing one. A member of Poaceae - the true grass family, bamboo is a hardy species among the true grasses that can grow in a wider range of weather conditions. A popular choice of those who are fond of gardening, due to its vibrant green color, bamboo plants can also be used to form beautiful screens. Although these plants do not require too much care, basic bamboo plant care can ensure good growth. Let us see how to care for bamboo plants. You can also check out some bamboo growing tips for bamboo plants grown at home.

Bamboo Plant Care Instructions

The following points should answer your query of how to take care of bamboo plants:

Selecting the Right Spot : Bamboos do best when they get lot of sunlight and enough water. Large bamboos require 4 to 5 hours of direct sunlight. Whether of the large or small variety, these plants should be provided light shade protection from wind till they get established in the soil. This is specially true of the smaller plants. Hence keep in mind all the points discussed while choosing a spot in the garden.

Water : Bamboo plants need lot of water. However, standing water inhibits the growth of bamboos. Newly planted bamboo plants need to be watered frequently. Watering twice a week in mild weather and daily in dry and hot weather is required. However, over-watering newly planted bamboo plants may cause excess leaf drop. For plants within the 5 gallon size, ½ gallon of water should suffice. However, larger plants require a minimum of 1 gallon water. Once established, bamboo plants are quite resistant to either flooding or lack of irrigation.

Fertilizer : If planted in a place where it gets enough sunlight and water, a bamboo plant can thrive on its own. However, for better growth, adding fertilizers is advised. Fertilizers high in nitrogen are very good. Organic fertilizers with high nitrogen content is even better. Adding 2 to 3 inch layer of compost is a good way of caring for bamboo plants.

Staking Tall Plants : In case you are planting a tall and slender variety of bamboo plant, make sure to stake or guy them. This prevents the tall plants from getting uprooted by strong winds. Taller plants can be effectively guyed using a rope tied to the culms approximately half way from the ground.

Weeding : Weeding is important for younger bamboo plants to ensure that they have adequate supply of nutrients and water as they grow. Established plants do not need weeding.

Winter Protection : In places with mild climate, bamboos can be planted at any time of the year. However, in regions with severe winters, bamboos should be planted early enough so that by the time they face their first winters, they would have already got established in the soil. However, in case the bamboos are planted later in the year, mulching can help protect the young plants from severe winters. Even in very cold weather, established bamboo plants should also be heavily mulched.

Bamboo Diseases

Bamboo is not an easy prey for most insects and diseases. However, like any other plant they are not immune to disease. The common problems with bamboo plants are:

Fungus : The older woody parts of the bamboo plant may be infected by fungus, especially during humid conditions. Fortunately, they look worse than they actually are for the plant. A copper based treatment can be used to get rid of the fungal infection.

Scale : Scale refers to a swarm of sucking insects that can be killed by spraying insecticide on the plants. However, by this method, even after the insects die, they may cling to the stems. Hence, the best way to get rid of them is by power washing the plants.

Mold : Dense bamboo plants are prone to mold. What makes matters worse is that molds attract aphids and ants. Aphids spread a sweet, sticky substance that the ants carry to other parts of the plant. In the process, they spread the mold to newer areas of the bamboo. Power washing can get rid of this problem.

Bamboos are beautiful and useful plants. With the bamboo plant care instructions discussed in the article, these plants can have a vibrant growth that will add to the beauty of any garden.