How to take care of a bamboo plant [Soil, Water, Light, Fertiliser]

Bamboos are versatile plants. They can withstand a range of dry and cold conditions in their natural habitats. 

However, they are susceptible to prolonged dry soils, very high and cold temperatures, compacted soils and, generally, neglect.

How to take care of a bamboo plant [Soil & Water]

To keep your bamboo plant thriving throughout the year, check for the following needs.

Soil:

Bamboos are not fussy about soil, but it is always a good idea to check the soil where they are growing and ensure that the soil is able to support the plant.

If the soil is too low in nutrients, or too compacted, the bamboo leaves will turn yellow and eventually fall off the plant.

Water:

Check that the soil is moist, but not waterlogged. Add mulch and grass cuttings with small barks or bamboo leaves around the plant.

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Bamboo plant care – general checks

Plants' care and checks are important for ensuring that your plants are healthy. Check that your plants have enough nutrients, water, and light.

If you are growing bamboo in pots and containers, lay the top area with mulch or pebbles.

Waterlogged soil will cause stress to the rhizomes and root hairs which will eventually affect the whole plant including the leaves.

How to take care of a bamboo plant [Light & Fertiliser]

Light:

Some bamboo varieties prefer lots of sunlight, others like partial shade or shade. Many nurseries and garden centres provide this information when you buy the plants.

So, grow your bamboo in the right location so that they provide the evergreen foliage throughout the seasons.

Fertilizer:

Bamboo leaves are the best fertiliser as they contain Silica which the bamboos need in large amount. Rake the leaves and put them under your bamboo plants.

They also require nitrogen, adding NPK fertiliser will also help your bamboos grow strong.

The factors that are likely to improve the growth of the bamboo plants include:

• good drainage, 
• well-established roots,  
• neutral alkalinity, and 
• good soil moisture and
• nutrient-rich soil.

Insects and animals in a bamboo grove

The evergreen thick foliage of bamboo plants is an ideal cover for rats, insects and bugs, especially in the humid and tropical regions of Asia and the Pacific. 

However, in temperate UK conditions, bamboo groves are thriving environments for bees, wasps insects and termites.

They are great nesting sites for mice and smaller rodents. 

Squirrels do love to munch on the new bamboo shoots, too. [See the video] So, cover the new shoots with pots to protect them from the squirrels.