How To Care For A Bamboo Plant (25 Exclusive Growing Tips)

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How To Care For A Bamboo Plant? Do you have a bamboo plant at home and you are looking for a complete care guide. Here we are! The Bamboo plant was once considered an exotic plant in the garden, and mostly people used to grow bamboos for shade but now its popularity has grown as a houseplant as well.

The bamboo plant is also lucky in many cultures like Chinese, Japanese and whoever is following feng shui and Vastu shastra. The bamboo plant can be grown indoors and outdoors and based on that they need to have cared for.

The basic bamboo plant care starts with the soil, as these is vital things and important for growth. Check if the soil is lacking nitrogen and calcium. Also, bamboo doesn’t require a lot of water whether indoor or outdoor but try to water every 2 days. In terms of sunlight, it likes decent light.

Now let’s explore all the things in detail on How To Care For A Bamboo Plant step by step.

Contents show

How To Care For A Bamboo Plant In Rocks

The typical bamboo plant in the ground grows fast and thick and adds a beautiful lush look to your garden.

However, the plant that is kept indoors is not actually real bamboo but a similar plant species that is commonly known as the ‘lucky bamboo plant’.

How to grow a bamboo plant?

The lucky bamboo can be grown easily as a houseplant even by novice gardeners. If you are planning to plant bamboo, get a starter set for yourself. They usually come with green canes that are either straight up and down or have a spiral pattern.

Then, follow the bamboo plant care instructions to care for your bamboo plant.

  1. To place the plant in a pot, fill it one-third full with rocks after cleaning them under running water with the help of a scrub brush.
  2. Also, you can choose stones and marbles for the pot instead of rocks.
  3. Finally, place the bamboo canes into the pot by moving around the rocks so that the plant stands straight and the canes are at least 2-inches below the surface of the water.
  4. Keep your bamboo plant in an area with light but avoid direct sunlight. For optimum growth, change the water in the pot at least once a week.

(Tip 1) Fertilizer is not recommended while taking care of a bamboo plant and freshwater is sufficient for its growth.

(Tip 2) To keep the leaves shiny, wipe them down with a dust cloth once a week.

How To Care For A Bamboo Plant In Water

If you are growing and planting lucky bamboo plant in water, it is important to ensure that its roots always stay covered with water. To prevent the bamboo plant from drying up and keep it healthy, change the water in the pot regularly after 7-10 days.

(Tip 3) To prevent algal growth in the water, clean the container regularly. Also, change the water at a regular period of 7-10 days.

(Tip 4) You can use tap water for that plant only if the chlorine levels in the water are low.
Else, use filtered or distilled water for watering your bamboo plant.

How To Care For Bamboo Plant In Soil

Once established in the soil, bamboo plant care is quite easy. It is important to take care of its watering needs to ensure it gets sufficient water (at least one inch per week) through rainfall or manually.

To ensure good health and proper growth of the plant, add a layer of mulch to the roots from time to time and a layer of compost or balanced fertilizer in the spring each year.

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Some varieties of the bamboo plant grow vigorously. For such plants, it is better to plant them in a barrier or install a barrier for the existing plants in a way that completely surrounds the plants.

This barrier should be ideally around 2-3 inches underground and 2-3 inches above the ground.

(Tip 5) If you deeply water the plant, it will encourage deep roots and protect the plant from drought.

(Tip 6) It is recommended to not remove the bamboo leaves from the roots as it will not only keep the roots moist and protected but also return essential nutrients to the soil as they decompose.

how to take care of bamboo plant indoor?

The lucky bamboo plant prefers low and indirect light and that is why it is kept indoors in such areas.

However, it does need at least a little light to grow and must not be kept in dark places. For growing these plants in water, change the water every ten days to promote good health.

This plant will need at least 1-3 inches of water regularly before growing roots. Once you notice the roots, all you need to do later is make sure that these roots are covered by the water.

(Tip 7) As the plants grow, increase the water level in the pot. Since the higher the water level, the higher up the stalk roots will grow. It would promote lush growth of the top foliage.

(Tip 8) You can add a small drop of liquid fertilizer when you replace the water to enhance the plant’s growth.

(Tip 9) For indoor lucky bamboos, they can be transplanted in the soil as well to sustain the growth. Pick a container with good drainage and maintain the watering technique.

How To Grow Lucky Bamboo Plant From A Cutting

It is fairly easy to grow a lucky bamboo plant from a cutting. The first step is to identify a healthy parent stalk with an offshoot containing two bamboo nodes.

Cut the offshoot from the point where it connects with the parent stalks. Also, before clipping the offshoot remove the leaves from its bottom.

Each of these independent stalks can grow into a new plant. Either use a small water-filled container or a 6-inch nursery soil-filled pot to grow the new stalks.

Water the soil whenever the top layer feels dry upon touching and care for it as you would for a larger plant. The new growth shall appear within a month.

(Tip 10) It is recommended to select a cane for propagation that is at least 2 years old and one-inch in diameter for healthier new stalks.

(Tip 11) When placing the new stalk, it is advised to keep it vertical or at a 45-degree angle in the pot to encourage optimum growth.

How To Grow Lucky Bamboo Plant From Seeds

You can grow a lucky bamboo plant from seeds as well, but it is comparatively difficult than growing it from a cutting. For this first choose a spacious pot, fill it with good quality compost and sprinkle water to moisten it.

In order to obtain the germination favorable temperature, keep the pot in the propagator for around 24 hours. Now, place these seeds on the warm compost at 1cm intervals and cover them with a fine layer of compost.

In the next step, keep the pot in the germination and place it somewhere that receives medium shade. Regularly check the propagator to ensure the compost doesn’t dry out.

The sprouting will begin within 10 days and the bulk of germination should take about 15 or 20 days. You must remember that different species of bamboo may have different germination rates.

Most of the sprouts will be ready after about 30 days. Transplant the healthy ones into 4cm pots filled with potting mix that has good drainage. Place these pots in medium shade and water them well.

It is a possibility that you may lose about ten percent of these sprouts but the rest of them will turn out healthy and mature properly.

(Tip 12) The ideal temperature for required germination before placing seeds is about 20-26 degrees Celsius.

(Tip 13) In case you do not have a propagator, you can use a clear plastic bag instead to cover the top of the pot and use an elastic band to secure it.

(Tip 14) During germination of seeds, make sure the temperature is neither too hot nor too cold as it might hurt them.

(Tip 15) As the seeds are sprouting in the germinator, check the moisture in soil regularly as once the seeds sprout, they can die very soon if the soil is dry.

(Tip 16) For a good potting-mix in the pots, you can use good lucky bamboo potting soil and small bark-chip mulch.

How To Grow and care Bamboo In Pots

Choosing the container and its location

When growing bamboo plants in a pot, it is essential to choose the container carefully. It must be a strong container so that it acts as a barrier for the bamboo roots.

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Additionally, it should drain well, or you can drill drainage holes into the base too. The next crucial thing in bamboo potted plant care is the location where the plant should be kept.

Place this pot in an area that gets protection from cold as well as the drying winds to avoid the scorching of leaves. Try to place it ideally in an area that receives some sunlight.

#1- Watering

Due to the restricted space for roots, the bamboo plants can get dried out. So, it is important to water them regularly especially on the hot days of summer. However, you can reduce the watering frequency during autumn. You must remember that the plants grown in the pots may be smaller in size with narrower canes due to the limited space for the roots to grow.

#2- Protection from frost

To prevent the canes and roots of the plant from frost, use bubble wrap, horticultural fleece, or burlap to make a loose layer around the container and canes. You can also bring the plant indoors during such times when frost is predicted and place them outside again when the climate is suitable.

(Tip 17) Choose a metal or robust wooden planter for potting as they are sturdier than typical plastic pots.

(Tip 18) For bamboo house plant care, you can apply liquid fertilizer in the summers to support their growth.

(Tip 19) You can transplant the plant into the ground if you see that the growth of the plant is restricted.

How To Plant A Bamboo Plant

There are two ways we can plant this magnificent lucky bamboo plant.

  • One way is to plant in soil. The soil needs to be kept moist for proper growth.
  • The second way is into the water. Keep the lucky bamboo plant in the sunlight and change water every 3,4 days. Water quality must be filtered one.

What Are The Benefits Of Lucky Bamboo Plant Having Indoors

The lucky bamboo plant is commonly used as an indoor plant as it is believed to attract wisdom and happiness while clearing the space of any negative energy.

It also attracts wisdom and happiness to ensure that residents of the house have a long, healthy, and prosperous life.

As per Feng Shui, it is recommended to arrange this plant indoors in such a way that it brings together all five elements – wood, earth, water, fire, and metal.

Since wood, earth, and water are natural aspects of the plant arrangement, a red ribbon can be tied to the pot to represent fire and a metal coin or metal Buddha figurine can be placed near the plant.

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Among the many varieties, the 3-layer lucky bamboo plant is the most popular as it is believed to attract happiness and long and healthy life for the family.

All the other varieties have different meanings and significance and so, they should be bought accordingly.

(Tip 20) You should place it in the East or the South-east direction inside the house as they are considered special ‘Bagua’ areas and are supposed to bring good luck and happy vibes.

How Long Does Bamboo Take To Grow??

Typically, the bamboo tree takes three years to get established in the soil. After that, the newer shoots emerging in the spring each year will continuously grow in both numbers and size as the plant matures

Depending on the species selection, soil, sunlight, climate, and water conditions, it could take anywhere between four to fifteen years for a plant to reach its maximum size.

(Tip 21) Phyllostachys nigra, or ‘black bamboo,’ grows vigorously and matures usually within two-three years. For black bamboo plant care, root pruning and root barriers are strongly advised.
 

Why Does A Bamboo Plant Turn Yellow?

If you notice the yellowing of bamboo plant leaves, it could be due to low soil nutrients, boggy soil (overwatering), lack of water, or stressful growing situations.

It is advised to use filtered or distilled water as tap water sometimes contains high levels of chlorine and fluoride that could damage your plant.

Also, make sure to maintain good drainage for your bamboo plant. Here are some tips to prevent yellowing of your bamboo plant:

(Tip 22) Though the bamboo plant does not require fertilizer, if the soil has extremely low nutrients, you can fix that using natural methods.

(Tip 23) If you observe mucky or boggy soil, then it could be because of overwatering. Limit the watering to the necessary amount.

(Tip 24) Trim the yellow leaves with a scissor to ensure the growth of new and green leaves.

How To revive lucky bamboo turned yellow- Tips

Types Of Lucky Bamboo Plant

There are different numbers of layers in the lucky bamboo plants. Some of the common shapes are as follows:

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2-Layer Lucky Bamboo Plant

This plant is a member of the species – Dracaena Sanderiana. Bright and filtered sunlight is best for this type of bamboo plant. It is generally kept in the pebble filled glass pot.

3-Layer Lucky Bamboo Plant

Its scientific name is Dracaena braunii. Also, it is commonly known by many different names like curly bamboo, Friendship bamboo, Chinese water bamboo, and Chinese Bamboo.

The Chinese bamboo plant care is extremely minimal, and it can grow well even in poor lighting.

Due to the same reason, it is among widely grown indoor plants in many parts of the world like India, China, and Taiwan.

7-Layer Lucky Bamboo Plant

This plant has elegant features and is quite easy to grow. It is commonly given as a gift on professional and casual occasions as it is said to bring good fortune and serenity to the home and the office.

((Tip 25) To create a heart shape in bamboo plants, first, bind two same size stalks at the bottom and then again 3-4 inches above it.

Heart-shaped bamboo plant care includes maintaining heart shape.

As the growth from the second direction will meet in the middle, you can tie the two ends by pulling them together and close the shape of the heart.

What Oils Can You Use For Bamboo Care

For protecting bamboo plants from pests especially spider mites, we suggest using natural controls such as horticultural oil, insecticidal soap & neem oil.

You can make a mix from these oils and spray it on the plant to get rid of the pests at the earliest stage and ensure proper bamboo care.

How To Tell When To Trim Lucky Bamboo Shoots

There is no specific time of the year to prune this plant. Trimming and pruning are usually determined by the height of the bamboo plant.

If you think the plant has become too large to manage, you can prune the shoots and bring them back to the desired shape.

Which Part Of The House Should I Put The Lucky Bamboo Plant

As per Feng Shui, various parts of the bamboo plant represent different feng shui elements i.e. earth, water, wood, water, metal, and fire.

Feng shui practitioners recommend keeping the bamboo plant in the east direction as it attracts good health for all family members.

Care Of Mini Lucky Bamboo Plant Care

The mini lucky bamboo plant care instructions are similar to the mature lucky bamboo plant. Remember to take care of the watering needs and your plant will thrive inside the house.

According to Feng Shui, the bamboo plants attract the positive ‘Chi’ energy and are said to bring wisdom and prosperity inside the homes and offices where they are placed.

The numbers of stalks of this plant have different meanings and significance and must be chosen accordingly. However, one must avoid the plant with four stalks.

As it is considered to be unlucky and associated with death. Rest all other plants are strongly recommended as they are not only lucky for you but also are quite easy to care for.

FAQS on How To Care For A Bamboo Plant

Q: Where to Place lucky bamboo in the home?

For the complete harmony and wealth keep the plant in south-east zone of the house , office. This way it will keep bring good vibes and peace to the space.

Q: How often do bamboo plants need water in rocks?

Bamboo plant that is in the rocks needs to replace water in every 2-3 days. The water must be filtered as hard water can damage the bamboo plant.

Q: How long does a lucky bamboo live?

Bamboo plant can live upto 10 years if cared in a proper environment and proper way. But most of the plant life span dont go beyond 5 years.

Conclusion

This plant is quite low-maintenance and relatively easy to care for. We have discussed everything in detail here on How To Care For A Bamboo Plant. I hope you have found this guide interesting.

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