Line the container with plastic root barrier if it is cement (which can damage bamboo) or wood (which lasts longer if protected from moisture).
You can use decent quality soil from your garden instead of potting soil. Avoid heavy clay soil, which drains poorly and is difficult to improve. Bamboo tends to do best in slightly acidic soil, with a pH between 5. 5 and 6. 5, but most species tolerate a pH up to 7. 5. Most soil falls into this range.
If your bamboo came rootbound, cut it out at the edge of the pot with a clean knife. It’s probably had trouble getting water, so soak the root ball (but not the stem) for 20 minutes before planting. [4] X Research source
If the top of the soil is drying out quickly, dig down to 4 inches (10 cm) deep to check for moisture. This depth should stay lightly moist most of the time, especially during the first three months after planting.
Place the pot over a humidity tray, as described in the planting section above. Lightly mist the leaves with a spray bottle every couple days. Run a humidifier in the room. Keep plants close together (but be aware this increases the risk of disease).
Cut withered, stunted, or excess stems (culms) at soil level. To prevent a stem from growing above a certain height, cut it just above a node (branching point). Thin branches regularly if you want to encourage vertical growth. Remove lower branches for aesthetics.
Once the roots have reached their maximum growing point, you just need to increase the size of the pot and re-plant. To restrict growth, instead dig up the plant, cut away about ⅓ of the roots, and replant in the same container with fresh potting mix. [10] X Research source You can propagate most bamboo plants by cutting the stalks and replanting in separate containers. This does not work on bamboo with no hole in the center of the stalks, or only a very small hole. [11] X Research source
Temperate species often drop leaves during low-light conditions. A cool, low-light dormant period in winter is good for these plants, and reduces leaf drop. The fewer green leaves there are, the less water the plant needs. [12] X Research source Many species drop leaves in spring (or less commonly, fall), gradually replacing them with new ones. If there’s a mix of green leaves, yellow leaves, and new, unfurling leaves, the plant is probably fine.
Overwatering is more dangerous than under-watering. Waiting to water until the leaves curl slightly will usually not harm the plant.
If they look dry and the tips are brown or curling upward, the plant needs more water. It may be rootbound and in need of a larger pot. Leaves that slowly become paler and more yellow usually have a nutrient deficiency. Add fertilizer with added minerals. A sudden color change after fertilizing points to over-fertilizing. Treat this problem by removing any remaining fertilizer and watering abundantly to leach out the excess minerals.
A black “sooty” mold is usually caused by insects. Remove aphids and ants. [13] X Research source Circular fungus rings or grey/brown scale usually do not harm the plant. An anti-fungus treatment from a garden store can remove it. [14] X Research source Wet, rotting patches are a sign of overwatering, but may be helped along by infestations. Dry them out and treat with insecticide or fungicide. [15] X Research source Sticky white webbing may hide bamboo mites or other insects. Spray it off and apply insecticide. There are over 1,000 species of bamboo, so no one guide will cover all problems. If your plant has a disease that doesn’t match the description above, consult a local garden center or university agricultural extension about disease in your area.
