How do I Take Care of My Bamboo Plant?

Bamboo needs little or no maintenance, people tend to overcare for their bamboo, whilst I am a keen bamboo enthusiast I am a lazy gardener. The fallen leaves and sheaths of the bamboo plant provide a good source of nutrition for the growing bamboo plant and whilst it is tempting to clear away the sheathes which can sometimes look untidy, they should not be cleared away from the base of the plant as these sheathes serve as a good mulch.

The leaves themselves contain silica that the plant will need for new growth. A fertilizer can be used whether horse manure, fish fertilser or weed and feed they all work just as well, however there should be no real need to do this as bamboo does not receive added fertilizer in the wild and survives well!

Bamboo's should have a regular watering although they do not enjoy over watering, however if you have a boggy area Phyllostachys Heteroclada (also known as water bamboo) thrives in wet soils because of its unique rhizome structure.

Depending upon the variety of bamboo that you have will govern where you plant it, some bamboo's like full sun, others like partial sun, whilst others prefer full shade. Look at the source list for an idea of the conditions that your bamboo enjoys best.

Recommendations
1. The addition of humus when planting as a heavy mulch2. The continuation of mulching and occasionally some fertilizer. The best fool and mulch that a bamboo can have is its own leaves and sheaths which are shed regularly, it is important not to clear these away from the base of the plant as they are an important form of nutrition for the bamboo.3. Regular watering during the first couple of years, however care should be taken not to over water the bamboo, and correct irrigation should be in place4. Thinning of old and weak culms as the bamboo matures. Whilst not necessary some pruning of the lower branches will enhance the bamboos appearance. Read more about bamboo care