| Bamboo FAQ |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-512 |
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Q: I want to plant some bamboo, but I've read it's really invasive. What is the best way to contain its roots? A: (Jessie Mack Burns, Ask DIY Gardening expert) There are two kinds of bamboo, running and clumping, and both spread by sending out new-growth shoots. You can put it in a container, but even if you do, it will still send shoots through the drainage holes in the bottom (figure A). So the best thing to do is to try to plant it near a retaining wall or fence, or in a field area, where the new growth won't be so pesky. Q: Is it necessary to prune bamboo? A: Yes, bamboo should be pruned to remove dead leaves and to control its height. One nice bonus that comes from pruning bamboo is that you can cut pieces off just below a node to get nice hollow tubes that make great bud vases (figure B). Q: Will bamboo get any blooms on it? A: It's highly unlikely, as bamboo needs specific conditions and is very temperamental about blooming. But bamboo doesn't rely solely on blooms for color: the canes (figure C) come in many different colors and patterns, so you can still have a showy plant even without flowers. Q: What kind of growing conditions does bamboo require? A: First and foremost, the soil should be loamy to provide stability for the roots (figure D) and to hold in moisture. Variegated varieties need filtered sunlight in order to prevent leaf burn; green varieties, on the other hand, can take full sun. And remember not to overwater bamboo. Q: Since it seems to grow so well, does bamboo need to be fertilized? A: Actually, all plants need to be fertilized. Young bamboo especially needs the extra boost provided by fertilization in order to produce green leaves and to be protected in the cooler months when its going dormant. Sprinkle dead leaves around the plants, or if you can't get dead leaves, mix calcium silicate into the soil; either way, you'll be providing your bamboo with silicate, which is essential for its continued growth and good health.
RESOURCES :
American Bamboo Society
American Bamboo Society
Albany , NY 12203-5976
Email: abs@bamboo.org
Website: www.americanbamboo.org
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