Bamboo is a beloved grass species that makes many environments shine in different shades of green. This plant comes in various types and sizes, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, and thrives in almost any climate. When purchasing, it's important to know exactly which bamboo species you're dealing with. This is essential for planting the bamboo and its appropriate care. There are 47 types of bamboo with over 1000 species! The main difference lies in running and non-running bamboo species. The grass is notorious for its aggressive growth that can trigger many neighbor disputes, but this doesn't apply to all types.
Running vs. Non-running bamboo
The growth pattern determines the difference between running and non-running bamboo. Non-running bamboo forms new shoots via a single clump and therefore concentrates on uniform growth. Running bamboo, on the other hand, is known for its fast-growing and expanding ability in the garden. The roots multiply often uncontrollably and can suppress other plants and trees. This is because this bamboo forms underground root runners (rhizomes) that dig horizontally through the soil and grow new shoots there. Suddenly, a new sprout can appear two meters away from the original bamboo plant. Within one season, this aggressive bamboo species can spread up to five meters wide through the many new runners. With a small garden, running bamboo is therefore not a good idea.
However, you can contain the roots of this species with a root barrier. This barrier is made of plastic and is buried at least 70 centimeters deep in the ground around the root ball of the super grass, forming a fence for the territory where only the bamboo may grow. The 70-centimeter wide rolls are sold per meter and screwed together into a ring with a special metal rail. Plan a diameter of at least two meters around the root ball, so the bamboo cannot dry out, and let the top five centimeters of the barrier stick out above the ground - this way you can immediately see if a root runner is making its way outside the root barrier. This prevents a bamboo invasion in the garden. Always check with the seller which bamboo species it is. Would you rather place the bamboo outside in a pot? Then it's best to choose a non-running bamboo species, such as the Fargesia. This variety comes in different types and colors. This reduces the chance of the pot cracking due to the strong roots.
Planting bamboo outside
Bamboo is a relatively easy grass species to plant depending on the type of bamboo. Most bamboo species don't have high demands for the soil type in which they will be planted. Bamboo plants grow in sandy, loamy, and even peaty humus soils, as long as these aren't too dry or waterlogged. Heavily compacted soils are not recommended, as water problems can quickly occur and the roots can start to rot. Very loamy, impenetrable soil must be loosened and mixed with sand, for example. The bamboo is even tolerant regarding the pH value of the soil.
When planting a non-running bamboo species in garden soil, it must be taken into account that the plants need at least one meter of space in width. Thoroughly loosen the soil and supplement it with mature compost or rotted leaves. This makes the new location of the bamboo hedge extra fertile. The hole for the new plant should be twice the diameter of the root ball. The depth depends on the height of the root ball. After planting, the soil should be level again. The root ball is placed in the hole and filled ideally with a mix of potting soil and garden soil. After filling the hole, plenty of water should be poured on the bamboo so it can settle in the new soil. This is the best way to plant bamboo outside!
Planting non-running bamboo in the garden
The best types for non-running bamboo in the garden are the Fargesia sp. 'Jiuzhaigou 1', Fargesia robusta 'Campbell' and the Fargesia 'Rufa'. These three bamboo species are suitable for evergreen hedges and are winter-hardy for the Dutch climate. The Jiuzhaigou 1 shines colorfully in spring with its fine reddish leaves and provides a sight-proof hedge. With a smaller garden, this bamboo species is the ideal choice because the roots need little space to grow. Prefer a more robust bamboo species? Then the Campbell is suitable because of its thick glossy leaves that shine green throughout the year. This bamboo species is extra winter-hardy and survives temperatures down to -20 degrees! Severe frost doesn't scare this one off. The Campbell doesn't like much wind as this can cause leaf damage. Therefore, this super grass likes to grow in gardens that are more sheltered and serves as a neat hedge. An elegant non-running bamboo species is the Rufa. Its branches hang down more which gives a graceful effect. An additional advantage of this outdoor bamboo plant is that it can also be planted in spacious pots or tubs and not only directly in the ground.
Rather have a bamboo in the garden that shows off in a planter? That's easily possible. As container plants, especially low-growing bamboo species are suitable, such as the Fargesia murieliae 'Bimbo', which grows to a maximum of 1.50 meters high. Fast and tall-growing non-running bamboo species, on the other hand, need at least a 90-liter planter, otherwise they will quickly suffer from drought and won't last long. Instead of a normal planter, you can also choose a raised planter that is open at the bottom and connected to the garden soil. This prevents water problems and the plant gets extra nourishment from nutrients in the soil. As a rule of thumb, the diameter of the planter should be at least three times the diameter of the root ball. Don't forget to sprinkle a layer of hydro granules of at least 4 centimeters at the bottom of the planter, so excess water can be absorbed. Otherwise, there's a risk that the roots will rot and the leaves will turn yellow.
Planting running bamboo in the garden
Still prefer running species? Don't forget to place the aforementioned root barrier because the bamboo grows and spreads a lot and eagerly. A popular running species is the Phyllostachys 'Nigra-Henosis'. This bamboo plant is striking because of its dense growth and its green leaves and dark culms. A particularly winter-hardy running bamboo species is the golden Peking bamboo. This has culms that can vary from golden yellow to brownish, but appear orange-red in the sun. It's not without reason one of the most used species in gardens. The Arrow bamboo is ideal for those who want to make a bamboo hedge due to its sight-proof leaves. This bamboo plant can also be planted in partial shade and usually grows between 3.5 and 4 meters high.
Planting bamboo indoors
For enthusiasts who prefer to admire bamboo indoors, there are more conditions to consider when planting and caring for the bamboo. The bamboo is actually more suited for outdoors, although there is one species suitable for indoor planting: the Bambusa vulgaris. This can be planted in planters or tubs in the same way as outdoor bamboo species. Hydro granules and drainage holes in the pot are essential for bamboo, as accumulated water can significantly shorten the bamboo's life. Regardless of the seasons, the first sign of drought stress in bamboo is always the curling of the plant's leaves. So give enough water, especially in hot summers. When bamboo leaves are completely dried out, they barely or don't recover at all. Therefore, it's important that the soil always feels moist and the root ball doesn't dry out. Occasional liquid organic fertilizer makes the indoor bamboo extra happy and helps with growing new shoots.
Light has a major influence on the well-being of bamboo. The super grass doesn't feel comfortable in dark rooms and will die. In light-flooded, glass foyers, in high halls, or in front of large window fronts, the bamboo can flourish well. Direct sun can sometimes be problematic, therefore it's recommended to place the bamboo plant in different spots in the space so each leaf receives enough light.
Humidity is also important in the life of a bamboo plant. Many bamboo species can't handle a too dry environment, like the Bambusa vulgaris. In a business office, you can choose to hire specialists in plant care who can monitor the evergreen plant throughout the year, so they can take appropriate care measures if necessary. At home, you can use a humidity meter to determine how high the humidity is in the room where the bamboo plant is located. When this level is below 50 percent, you can, for example, place a container of water on the heater or dry laundry in this space. This way you increase the humidity in your home in a sustainable way.
When and where to plant bamboo?
The best time to plant bamboo is early spring, so the plant grows well until autumn. However, it's also possible to plant in summer or autumn. A sunny and warm location, preferably in a sheltered spot against the wind, is ideal for the super grass. The bamboo plant also does well in partial shade in the garden.
Pruning bamboo
Planting bamboo and caring for it also includes maintaining the bamboo by occasionally pruning it. The period for pruning bamboo is relatively long. From spring to autumn, dead or diseased shoots can be cut off directly at the ground. Especially bamboo shoots that have frozen or dried out in winter should be pruned back in spring. The same applies to withered shoots after hot summers. There are no special pruning rules and therefore all stems and leaves that hinder can be cut away or thinned out. Depending on the size and thickness of the bamboo plant, sharp pruning shears or hedge trimmers are used for pruning. This keeps the bamboo beautiful and healthy longer.
Also read everything about the advantages of bamboo toilet paper and where Bamboi toilet paper is made.
