Caring For Bamboo Plants

Asian culture is making a huge impact on our society, especially in terms of interior decorating. Bonsai trees have been popular for years and nowadays, bamboo plants are giving them a run for their money. People especially like having bamboo inside of their homes. However you need to realize that these plants require some very specialized care. That is mainly because bamboo is naturally an outside plant. To an extent it is wild. As such, you need to do all you can to copy its natural conditions.

Embedding bamboo in its pot is by far the best way to prepare it for indoor growing. You need to specially prepare the soil. It needs to have fragmented rocks, pebbles, and clay. This allows the soil to drain properly. You see, when those things are mixed in, the dirt is not all packed together. When the dirt is packed in too tight, the water has nowhere to go. This basically causes the plant to get waterlogged. In turn, that can lead to root rot.

As you can see, watering bamboo is almost a science. You cannot water it too much, even with the rocks, pebbles, and clay in the soil. If you do, naturally it will drown. However, inside, soil tends to be dry. If you are not careful to water the bamboo enough, it will dry up and die. Pay attention to the plant’s leaves. They curl if it is too dry and sag if it is too wet.

Speaking of climate conditions, bamboo is like most other plants. It craves sunlight. So, always make sure you place your plant in an area where it gets plenty of sunlight. However, the location is a delicate balance. You need to make sure the plant can get sufficient shade as well.

Feeding bamboo is not just a matter of plant food. People who are experienced with growing bamboo suggest other substances. The most beneficial is chicken manure. It needs to be organic and given to the plant in small increments.

Keeping an adequate amount of moisture in the bamboo is also important. This goes beyond just watering it properly. You should seriously consider misting the plant. You can do this with a spray bottle or a vaporizer.

You have to protect your plant from pests as well. Fungi, insects, and certain microbes are most common with bamboo. These things cause spots on the plant. Therefore, pesticides are definitely necessary.

Bamboo requires specialized seasonal care. Basically, if you embed the plant inside during the winter months, you need to take precautions. In cold weather, the soil tends to pack in too tightly. Therefore, heavy protection is necessary.