How to grow invasive bamboo plants in the garden - top tips

The running bamboos have rhizomes that grow away from the parent plants. That is why they are often referred to as invasive bamboos. 

The clump-forming bamboo plants are non-invasive. As the name implies, the rhizomes are compact at the base, forming clumps. 

You can grow both varieties and enjoy them. 

There is no need to worry if you grow them right. Find out how to grow running bamboos without worrying about their invasiveness.

How to grow running bamboos in the garden

You can grow running (invasive) bamboo plants in the garden, such as hedges, privacy screens, pot and container bamboos, bamboo for sticks and balcony screens. 

There are hundreds of bamboo plants that grow well in the UK. 

Each bamboo is suitable for gardens and can be used for different purposes. 

Take a look at the 5 best running bamboo plants to grow in the garden.

 

Planning before planting bamboos

The running bamboo can be a concern because of the potential impacts on the other structures. 

Here at gardenbambooplants.com, we advocate for planning before planting. 

This means taking two actions. 

Firstly, survey the nearby site. The initial survey does not have to take longer than 10 minutes. Yet, it is important to control the bamboo from the start. So, find out

• what is near the potential bamboo site;
• what are the likely impacts on the built environment; and
• whether it’s necessary to grow running bamboo there.

Secondly, use a root barrier. Regardless of where you are going to grow the running bamboo plants, a root barrier is vital to spreading. 

Take precautions when growing running bamboo

The steps above will stop the running bamboo plants from invading the built areas or neighbours' gardens. 

 Survey the garden site and use root barriers before planting. Do not grow the running bamboo close to the paths and buildings. 

As a rule of thumb, grow the running bamboo at least 5 metres away from any built area. Another option is to grow the running bamboos in large heavy-duty pots. The pots will act as barriers so that there is no need to spend extra money on root barriers. 

Also, you can move the pots and place them wherever you want. The disadvantage is that you may have to re-pot the plants every 5 or 10 years. 

Not bad because it’s less work than digging up the running bamboo rhizomes in the garden. 

 

Where to buy running bamboo in the UK?

Your nearest garden centres will have supplies of running bamboo plants. 

Ask for the features and growth requirements, and what you expect of the plant. 

Get their professional opinion on what to do to stop the bamboo from invading other built areas. 

Many labels on the running bamboo plants do not have a warning on them. 

So make sure to find out how far the running bamboo is likely to spread.

Check out the award-winning bamboo plants and where to buy them.

 

Evergreen running bamboo plants

The running bamboo plants are best for garden hedges and privacy screens. 

Golden Yellow Bamboo and Bamboo Vivax are stunning standalone plants. 

These bamboo plants grow fast and provide evergreen cover all year round. To enjoy them, take precautions, use root barriers or grow them in pots.

Non-invasive Bamboo Plants UK - What are They?

If you want to grow non-invasive clumping bamboos in a shady spot, this article will help you find the right one. 

Related articles:

• WHAT BAMBOO TO GROW - CLUMPING OR RUNNING?
• HOW TO IDENTIFY NON-INVASIVE BAMBOO PLANTS?

We list 5 common clumping bamboos that prefer shady sites. For detail on each non-invasive bamboo plant, check out the links.

 

What are non-invasive clumping bamboos?

Clumping bamboos (also called clump-forming or clumpers) and running bamboos are fast-growing grass plants. Yet both bamboo plants are different in many ways. 

The differences are what make them interesting. At Garden Bamboo Plants’ website, we showcase 30 clump-forming bamboos from over 70 featured bamboos. 

Here are the top 5 clumping bamboos for shady spots. 

Click on the link to read more about the height, spread and growth requirements.

• 1) Fargesia papyrifera Blue Dragon
• 2) Fargesia murielae Jumbo Umbrella Bamboo
• 3) Fargesia murielae Simba Umbrella Bamboo
• 4) Fargesia nitida Obelisk Hybrid Umbrella Bamboo
• 5) Fargesia nitida Pillar fountain bamboo

Non-invasive clumping bamboos to grow in the UK

Over 30 clumping bamboos that grow well in shades are listed on this site. The 5 listed above thrive in shaded to medium-shaded areas. 

These clumping bamboos are further sub-divided based on their appearances. 

The groups are, but are not limited to the following:

• 1) Fargesia Nitida,
• 2) Fargesia Murielae,
• 3) Fargesia Robusta, and
• 4) Fargesia Umbrella Bamboos.

They come in different colours, sizes, heights and shapes.

 

What red bamboo for shady spots?

Not only red clumping bamboos can grow in shady spots. 

There are also green, yellow and black non-invasive clumping bamboos, including their cultivars, that are suitable for the garden.

Clumping bamboos for shady spots ranges from mini to medium bamboos. There are in fact many cultivars that tend to grow well in shady spots.

The bamboos change colours as they mature. 

This is one of the things that makes bamboo a beautiful plant. Some clumping bamboo plants have shoots that are bright pink, others purple. 

The early colour changes are spectacular. 

Some bamboo culms will turn black, yellow or green after they lose their sheaths. They also respond to Summer and Winter conditions though they remain evergreen. 

You can prune some of these bamboos, they are best for garden hedges, while the others have fountain-like or umbrella-like foliages. The options are unlimited!

Non-invasive clumping bamboo UK

Clumping bamboos have special places in the garden. 

They are fast-growing and provide an evergreen screen all year round. 

Your choice of clumping bamboo depends on what you want the bamboo to do. 

We hope the options provided in this article help find a better bamboo that meets your expectations. 

 If you have any questions, please leave a comment.

Why you should wear heavy-duty gardening gloves when working in the bamboo garden?

The best thing to do is to wear heavy-duty gardening gloves and boots when working in the bamboo garden. Tidying up your bamboo garden is a great way to monitor the growth of the plants. 

The bamboo care and maintenance jobs you do will keep your bamboo in good shape. But bamboo splinters and cutting edges are sharp with the potential to cause nasty cuts. 

We need to protect ourselves when working with bamboos. Let’s take a look at the common hazards to look out for.

 

Why wear heavy-duty gardening gloves?

Bamboos are biodegradable. They’ll break down within a couple of years. 

But fresh bamboo splinters can inflict cuts to the body, which can lead to serious infections. Wearing gloves is the best way to protect you from bacterial infections.

Recommended product: Heavy-duty and thorn-proof gardening gloves for ladies and men

Bamboo cuts may not be a major concern if they are washed, cleaned and treated immediately. 

The concern is that microorganisms in the garden can enter your body through cuts and cause serious infections. 

The important thing is to prevent cuts, scrapes or splinters by wearing gardening gloves.

Bamboo gardening hazards

New bamboo plants and established bamboo groves pose different risks. As mentioned, the main concern is to avoid cuts from bamboo splinters and strips.

Gardeners who have worked with bamboo will attest to the fact the bamboo splits are very sharp. Cuts are like paper cuts but deeper. 

The potential for infection is high. So, here are 5 hazards to look out for when working in the bamboo garden.

Splitting bamboo pot plants

Splitting bamboo before planting is the best way to get several plants out of a single purchase. 

(Here are the Pros and cons of splitting bamboo plants). 

Wear gardening gloves when splitting bamboo to protect yourself from the dirt.

Sharp bamboo strips

Bamboo strips are sharp due to the way the bamboo culms grow. Split bamboos tend to have a lacerated edge. Fortunately, many garden bamboo plants in the UK do not require splitting. They are mostly used as garden sticks for staking plants. But if you are working with split bamboos and bamboo splinters, always wear gloves for protection.

Bamboo edge cuttings

Remove the old bamboo culms neatly by cutting across the cross-section. This will prevent any sharp bits from sticking out at the base of the bamboo groves and causing injuries. Ominously, the base of the culms lasts longer than the other parts of the bamboo because they are strong. Any past cutting can cause nasty cuts to bare hands.

Bamboo splinters in garden soil

If you are using bamboo sticks in the past year, you are likely to find remains in the soil. You do not have to worry if you pulled all the bamboo sticks out neatly. However, be cautious that the remains of bamboo sticks in the soil can enter your fingers with great ease. So, look out for any bamboo remains in the garden soil if you used it recently. Wear heavy-duty garden gloves or thorn-proof gardening gloves when weeding and planting.

Pulling bamboos from the grove

Injuries to the hands can happen when pulling bamboos out of a grove. Bamboo branches spread and form a strong interconnecting network. 

It can be really hard to pull them out. 

If your grip on the bamboo slips and accidentally catches a sharp strip, it can be nasty. Cuts could be deep. 

Therefore, if you are going to cut a bamboo stick for garden plants or remove old culms, always wear a pair of heavy-duty gardening gloves to prevent bamboo cuts. 

If you want a pair of heavy-duty and thorn-proof gardening gloves, here's one you'll like:

Recommended product: Heavy-duty and thorn-proof gardening gloves for ladies and men

Conclusion

Cuts and scrapes caused by bamboo splinters and strips can get infected very quickly. 

Wearing gloves is the best way to protect you from bacterial infections regardless of how old you are. Protection is better than cure. Comment and let us know what you think. 

You can also follow us on YouTube and see our latest work in the Bamboo Garden.

How far do bamboo plants spread?

How far do bamboo plants spread? There are different types of bamboo plants, some are running bamboo plants and others are clumping bamboo plants. 

The running bamboo plants do spread, so 'always' build a bamboo barrier when growing the running varieties.

How long do bamboo plants spread?

Always use the bamboo roots/rhizome barrier when growing the running bamboo plants. They are invasive. 

The rhizomes will spread to other parts of the garden if you do not have a barrier in place. We recommend putting in a root barrier before growing the running bamboo. 

Alternatively, grow bamboo in heavy-duty pots. The bamboo plants will start to spread in the first year of planting. In fact, the rhizomes are underground stems. 

The new (running) shoots growing above the ground indicate that new rhizomes are also growing underground. 

The growth is prominent after 5 years. That means that bamboo can stay inactive underground until the condition is right for them to put out new shoots.

So, the running bamboo plants will spread after you’ve planted them or remain inactive until the condition is right. 

Either way, always use a bamboo barrier when growing the running bamboo.

Building a bamboo root barrier

Check out the video and see how we build the running bamboo root barrier.

How far do bamboo plants spread? There are different types of bamboo plants, some are running bamboo plants and others are clumping bamboo plants. Always build a root barrier when growing the running bamboo plants. 

How bamboo plants grow

Bamboo plants will give out new shoots every year in spring. These new shoots will be bigger in size and longer than the previous year’s shoots.

The size of new bamboo shoots remains the same as it matures into a culm.

 

How do bamboo plants grow?

The growth behaviour of running and clumping bamboo plants, generally, determines how long they live. 

Whether in the garden or in pots they will grow in the same way, nonetheless. 

Bamboo plants will give out new shoots every year in spring. These new shoots grow longer than the previous year’s shoots.

Note that the bamboo shoots will get bigger as they grow year after year, but a new shoot will remain the same size as it matures into a full-grown bamboo. Read about How long bamboo plants last.

You’ll have a bigger and longer bamboo plant, and the bamboo grove will also increase in size. In retrospect, the bamboo shoots do not expand in size as the trees and shrubs do. 

The size of the new shoot remains the same until it thins out at the top at maximum height. 

A bamboo plant will reach its matured height anytime between 5 and 10 years depending on the variety. 

The common bamboos in the UK often reach their maximum heights (and produce full-size shoots) within 5 years. 

The bamboo grove can live 30 - 50 years. They have a regenerative growth pattern where new shoots will grow again and again.

So, every year you’ll have a longer plant and bigger shoots as your bamboo grove takes shape.

Bamboo plants vs bamboo grove

How long bamboo plants last depend on the growth of the individual plants and the regenerative behaviour of the plants in the grove. 

Some bamboo plants will live in the soil until the condition is right before they put out new shoots. Others will spread pretty quickly. 

Generally, the common bamboo plants that grow in the UK, US and other cooler regions will last for 30 – 50 years. And, they will continue to grow as long as the condition is right.

Small Bamboo Plants for Shade

Bamboos are amazing plants, they come in different sizes, shapes and colours. Some are clumping whereas others are running. 

There are small bamboo plants for sale for almost any situation. Some small bamboo plants are best for shade.

Take a look at the best small bamboo plants for shade that thrive in the UK, US, NZ, Canada and Australia - follow the link to identify which one is best for you.

Uses of small bamboo plants

Bamboo plants are becoming a popular oriental plant and it’s easy to see why. Bamboos add an oriental touch to your garden and patio. They are hardy and come as either running or clumping bamboo.

Many small bamboo plants are ideal for garden hedges and undercover plants and they can thrive in shades.

In addition, they are undemanding plants and will grow well in the UK climate, great for 

• privacy screening, 
• hedging, 
• pot plants or 
• unique focal point in your garden.

What small bamboo plants to grow?

As gardeners, you’d want an ideal bamboo plant, one that provides the evergreen cover, low maintenance and is fast-growing.

We’ve researched nearly 100 running and clumping bamboos here at Garden Bamboo Plants. The heavy work is cut out for you so that you can use the summarised information to select the right bamboo.

The best thing to do is to check the top garden features of each bamboo and decide what’s ideal. 

To help you, here are Small Bamboo Plants for Shade.

You can buy the bamboos online too, see the UK retailers in the table below.

Best small bamboo plants for sale

Buy the small bamboo plants for sale online from the UK home and garden shops.

Rest assured that when you buy small bamboo plants online, you get the best service from UK-renowned retailers. 

They deliver the highest quality plants that are ready for planting upon arrival. 

You can get Fargesia clumping varieties or Phyllostachys running varieties.

How to select bamboo online

Use the article to find the best small bamboo plants for growing indoors or outdoors. Either way, this information will give you the confidence for growing bamboo and enjoy the greenery for many years.

As mentioned earlier, each article provides the insight you need to select the best small bamboo plants, which thrive in the UK. 

One of the best things listed in each article is the suggestions on how to use each bamboo plant.

Many of these plants have been used successfully as garden hedging and privacy screening plants. 

So check out the uses because it will give you an idea about growing it as garden plants or in pots and containers.

We hope that this article points you in the right direction, where you can find the best small bamboo plants to grow in pots or in the garden.

Best Small Bamboo Plants for Small Gardens UK

 The Bamboo Garden at Kew Gardens London has an amazing collection of Chinese and Japanese bamboo. 

The garden holds over 130 different types of bamboo plants. In addition, the Tropical Glass House has three tropical giants.

Important: All the images are copyright materials covered under our Content Protection Notice. Contact us for more information.

 

Pleioblastus agenteostriatus Variegated Bamboo

It's a beautiful small running bamboo. 

This photo was taken in winter, the leaves have green and white stripes. 

In summer, these leaves are going to turn dark green contrasting beautifully with the whites. 

This spectacular variegated bamboo forms low patches with slender dark green culms to just 1 metre in height. 

The distinctive characters are in the green variegated leaves.

Pleioblastus agenteostriatus Variegated Bamboo

Chimonobambusa tumidissinoda

Chimonobambusa tumidissinoda or Walking Stick Bamboo is a running variety. 

It is large and can grow to 6 metres in the wild. 

Its culms are used as walking sticks for many centuries in China and Japan.

Chimonobambusa tumidissinoda

'Bamboo' Pleioblastus viridistriatus

Pleioblastus viridistriatus is a running variegated bamboo. 

It's perfect for gardening borders and privacy screening. 

It has beautiful purple-green culms for landscaping and adding colours to the garden. 

Check out other variegated bamboo plants.

'Bamboo' Pleioblastus viridistriatus

Sasa nipponica

Sasa nipponica is an evergreen small bamboo that can grow to 1 metre in height, hardy and evergreen. 

It has slim culms and is comparatively small compared to other bamboos. One of the best to grow in small gardens, driveways or as ground covers and undergrowth. 

This small bamboo is undemanding and thrives in the UK climate.

Sasa nipponica

Pleioblastus fortunei

Pleioblastus fortunei (or Pleioblastus pygmaeus or Dwarf Bamboo) is a small bamboo. 

There are two types, one has variegated leaves, and the other does not have variegated leaves. 

Pleioblastus fortunei 'Variegata' is the variegated cultivar whereas Pleioblastus pygmaeus or Dwarf Bamboo is not variegated bamboo. 

Check carefully if you are buying the Pleioblastus fortunei online.

Pleioblastus fortunei

Small Bamboo Garden Kew London

Kew’s Bamboo Garden is the best place to see magnificent bamboo plants. 

As mentioned, there are over 130 running and clumping bamboo plants. The giant timber bamboo is about 20 metres tall, reaching the top ceiling of the glasshouse. 

When you’re in Kew Gardens, this is definitely a must-see. These 13 bamboos are our top picks. We hope you like the images and videos. 

Please share on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter. We share bamboo gardening ideas, images and videos on YouTube. Join Us.

Japanese Bamboo Garden in United Kingdom, Kew, London

Bamboos are stunning garden plants, their gentle movements, rustling sounds of the leaves, evergreen foliage and colourful stems are some reasons they are popular. 

One place to see the bamboo in all its beauty is the Japanese Bamboo Garden at Kew Royal Botanic Gardens in London. 

The Bamboo Garden has an amazing collection of Chinese and Japanese bamboo. The garden holds over 130 different types of bamboo plants. In addition, the Tropical Glass House has three tropical giants.

Important: All the images are copyright materials covered under our Content Protection Notice. Contact us for more information. 

Chinese and Japanese bamboo gardens

Check out the images and videos of the 13 amazing bamboo plants we’ve recorded over the years. 

Let’s begin with the three giant timber bamboos that are currently growing in Kew Tropical Glass House.

Giant Timber Bamboo (Gigantochloa verticillate)

The giant bamboo is one of the largest bamboo plants you can find in the UK. 

It grows 25-30 metres in the wild, as tall as a tree. 

This bamboo is native to Southeast Asia and New Guinea. 

In the UK, this bamboo reaches over 20 metres.

• Video on YouTube

Gigantochloa verticillate Giant Bamboo - Kew Royal Botanic Garden (Photo: GBP - Inside Glass House)

Buddha's Belly Bamboo (Bambusa ventricosa)

Buddha belly bamboo, also known as Bambusa ventricosa, is a type of bamboo species that is known for its distinctive swollen stem, which gives it its name. Here are some reasons why:

• Water Conservation: Buddha belly bamboo is an excellent plant for water conservation because it has a high water-holding capacity. Its swollen stem allows it to store water for long periods, which helps the plant survive during periods of drought. This makes it an ideal plant for areas that receive low rainfall or have limited water resources.

• Nutrient Conservation: The swollen stem of Buddha belly bamboo also plays an important role in nutrient conservation. The stem stores nutrients, which are used by the plant when it needs them. This helps the plant to survive in nutrient-poor soils and reduces the need for fertilizer applications.

• Soil Conservation: The extensive root system of Buddha's belly bamboo helps to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion. The plant's roots can reach up to several meters deep, which helps to anchor the soil and prevent it from washing away during heavy rainfall or flooding.

The culms are deep dark green smooth and glossy with multiple branches growing at each node.

• Video on YouTube

Buddha's Belly Bamboo (Bambusa ventricosa)

Bambusa vulgaris

The giant tropical bamboo, Bambusa vulgaris or Common Bamboo, grows in Kew Tropical Glass House. 

It’s an amazing bamboo with glossy green culms, large brown sheaths and hairy rims around the nodes. 

This giant timber bamboo is predominantly used in building and construction or as stakes for large garden plants in rural China.

Bambusa vulgaris

Phyllostachys nigra ‘Henonis’ Black bamboo

This is a tall running bamboo with bright green stems that turn olive green. 

It is one of the Black Bamboo cultivars. 

Be careful not to confuse them with Phyllostachys bissettii. 

They both have glossy green leaves, bright green stems and evergreen arching foliage. 

However, looking closely at the matured stems, the Phyllostachys nigra f. henonis will show signs of olive-yellow canes whereas the Green Bamboo Phyllostachys bissettii canes are obviously dark green, with yellow indentations or stripes.

• Video on YouTube

Phyllostachys nigra ‘Henonis’ Black bamboo

Phyllostachys bambusoides var. subvariegata

Phyllostachys bambusoides has several cultivars. 

The var. subvariegata cultivar, as seen in this image, has upright and dark glossy green culms and zigzagged internodes at the base. 

Phyllostachys bambusoides are commonly called the Japanese Timber Bamboo.

Phyllostachys bambusoides var. subvariegata

Phyllostachys nidularia

Phyllostachys nidularia or Broom Bamboo is a stunning bamboo with erect canes. 

It is known as Broom Bamboo because branches and culms are great bamboo brooms. This running bamboo can grow to 4 metres. 

As a precaution, use the root barrier when growing this bamboo, it is one of the invasive species.

Phyllostachys nidularia

Phyllostachys sulphuria var. viridis

Bamboo Phyllostachys sulphurea viridis is a running bamboo also known as the Ougon-kou Chiku or Kou-Chiku bamboo. 

It’s a stunning ornamental plant due to its appearance. 

At 4m average height, this bamboo is a great addition to woodland forests, large gardens and dense garden hedges. It is edible bamboo.

Phyllostachys sulphuria var. viridis

Phyllostachys vivax aureosulcata

Golden Yellow Chinese Timber Bamboo Vivax Golden or Golden Yellow Cane Bamboo is a Tall and thick running bamboo, best for tall hedges and screens. 

The golden stems have spectacular bright green stripes running vertically along the internode. 

Bamboo vivax is an RHS Merit Award-winning bamboo, that grows well in a mild temperate climate.

• Video on YouTube.

Phyllostachys vivax aureosulcata Golden Yellow Chinese Timber Bamboo

Kew's Japanese Bamboo Garden London

Kew’s Bamboo Garden is the best place to see magnificent bamboo plants. 

As mentioned, there are over 130 running and clumping bamboo plants. The giant timber bamboo is about 20 metres tall, reaching the top ceiling of the glasshouse. 

When you’re in Kew Gardens, this is definitely a must-see. These 13 bamboos are our top picks. We hope you like the images and videos. 

Please share on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter. We share bamboo gardening ideas, images and videos on YouTube. Join Us.

Why do my lucky bamboo leaves turn yellow - fix

Is your lucky bamboo turning yellow? You can potentially lose it if you do not take immediate actions to save it.

Lucky bamboo plants are not related in any way to the running or clumping bamboos, but rather one of the 40 cultivated species of the Dracaena group of plants. They are native to the Pacific Islands, especially Papua New Guinea, South East Asia and parts of Africa.

How to revive lucky bamboo turning yellow?

Lucky bamboo plants are tropical plants. 

Generally, they are resilient to high temperatures, humidity and pests in the wild. But, several factors can affect their growth indoors. 

We discuss the five common ones towards the end of this article. First, here is how to revive a lucky bamboo plant in 3 steps if it turns yellow.

You will need:

• Candle wax
• Aloe vera
• Pair of secateurs
• Fresh/distilled water
• Plants rooting powder

Image credit: @Twitter

Step 1 – Prepping lucky bamboo stalks

Separate the dying yellow lucky bamboo. Use the pair of secateurs to tidy up the stalks and yellow leaves. 

Then, dip both the top & bottom ends of the cut lucky bamboo stalks in candle wax to prevent rotting. Then, place 3 to 5 stalks in the ‘growing medium’.

Step 2 – Making growth mixture

After that, create a growth-boosting mixture by mixing equal amounts of aloe vera gel and plant rooting powder. 

Add the mixture into the ‘growing medium’. 

Then, add water. (Aloe vera gel and plant rooting powder are ideal for reviving dying plants. They are rich in nutrients the new plants need to grow)

Buy rooting powder at YouGarden

Step 3 – Reviving lucky bamboo turning yellow

The potted plants are in the medium are ready. 

Finally, put them in a shaded area. The plants should show signs of new healthy plants after the first week.

Best way to revive a lucky bamboo turning yellow

Image: @Twitter

Use either fresh rainwater or distilled water when replanting lucky bamboo, and when replenishing water in the pots. 

Do not use tap water as it contains chlorine which tends to disturb the growth of new roots and shoots. 

Prep the stalks neatly, and use rooting hormone and aloe vera to promote growth. Also, use a candle to stop the stems from rotting. 

The chance of lucky bamboo plants surviving is slim if the stalks have turned golden yellow, and become squishy and wrinkling. This is the point of no return. 

Separate the plant, and take action as soon as the leaves and stems turn yellow, and before the stalks turn from green to yellow.

How long before lucky bamboo plants recover?

As mentioned, the running bamboo will regenerate after 7, some quicker. But all in all, signs of new growth are eminent within the two weeks. 

After that, you can re-pot the plant or leave them to grow in the ‘growing medium’.

In a case where you do not see any activity, the best thing to do is to give the plants time to grow. Check the water and any signs of rotting in the stems.

Read about the best practices for growing lucky bamboo plants in water, soil and gravel.

Why is lucky bamboo turning yellow?

There are several reasons why lucky bamboo leaves and stalks turn yellow. Below are the 5 common reasons why the yellowing of leaves happens.

Lucky bamboo leaves often turn yellow due to the lack of one (or more of) these plants’ growth needs. 

They are important for the lucky bamboo to grow.

1. Freshwater

Use rainwater or distilled water. Lucky bamboo does not like warm water. Ensure that the water temperature remains consistent at room temperature, 20 - 25 degrees Celcius is ideal.

2. Sun

Place your lucky bamboo where it receives a good dose of filtered sunlight to regulate photosynthesis. They are tolerant to shade, but not to direct sunlight.

3. Improve humidity

Indoor air is often dry, it lacks good water content. In fact, lucky bamboo loves high humidity in the highs of 50%. 

Let fresh air indoors. This will improve transpiration which is vital for the plant's natural colours.

4. Check the indoor room temperature

Indoor temperature is higher where there are electrical appliances. Like in 3 (humidity), the indoor temperature is vital for the houseplants. 

The heat emitted by electrical appliances can affect the lucky bamboo plants. Check the indoor temperature if your plants show signs of distress.

5. Prevent rotting bamboo stalks

The lucky bamboo stalks will rot (where they are cut) when dipped in water. This is often the main cause of yellow leaves in lucky bamboo plants. 

To avoid this problem, seal the freshly cut stalks with candle wax. 

If a stalk turns yellow, it shows that it is not rooting. This is a dead plant and it should be removed and attended to immediately before it affects the other plants. 

Use the 5 tips to keep your lucky bamboo happy and stop the leaves from turning yellow. Prevention is better that cure.

Grow lucky bamboo plants

In a case where your bamboo has turned yellow, revive it by using the three steps we discussed in ‘How to revive lucky bamboo turning yellow?’ 

In an ideal situation, prevention is better than cure. Be sure to replenish the water so that it remains clear all the time. 

The bamboos are tropical plants. They will thrive in variable conditions. Attend to them immediately if you see any signs of distress in your plants.

Conclusion (Revive lucky bamboo turning yellow)

All in all, lucky bamboo plants are great indoor house plants. 

As a gardener, you need to provide them with the right condition for them to thrive. Knowing the 5 growth requirements is key to sustaining them. 

Use the 3 steps to revive lucky bamboo if the leaves turn yellow. You may like to know about the 10 facts about lucky bamboo plants. 

We hope this simple guide and best practices help you to revive your dying lucky bamboo plants.

How to grow lucky bamboo indoor plants

How to grow lucky bamboo indoor plants: Lucky bamboo symbolises the beauty of life. Traditionally, it is a symbol of hope. Today, they are one of the great house plants you can grow.

This article gives insight into the best practices on how to grow lucky bamboo plants in water, soil and gravel.

10 Bamboo Facts You Should Know (CLICK HERE).

How to grow healthy lucky bamboo from cuttings?

Lucky bamboo plants are visually appealing in glass vases, cover pots and containers. Traditionally, the stalks are cultivated in groups of 2, 3, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 21. 

Each group symbolises hope and well-being. It is bad luck if the stalks are not planted in these symbolic groups. Here are the three ways to grow healthy lucky bamboo plants.

1. Can lucky bamboo grow in water?

Reassuringly, lucky bamboo plants thrive in water and it’s clear to see why they are popular vase plants. Follow these steps to grow or re-pot the bamboo plants.

• Firstly, separate the stalks carefully, and avoid ripping the roots and leaves.
• Place the stalks in a clear glass vase. Space them out evenly.
• Then, add distilled water and plant food. Add plant rooting powder if available to promote root growth.
• Place the glass vase away from direct sunlight until fresh roots and leaves appear.
• Move the plants to the ideal site when they’ve shown signs of growth. Now, enjoy your plants.

Top tip: Use a clear glass vase to plant lucky bamboo in water and enjoy the roots as they emerge and find their way around it. Replace the water when it becomes saturated (unclear). Use less tap water because of the presence of chlorine which can kill your plant. Feed the lucky bamboo with plant food occasionally, at least twice a year.

2. Can lucky bamboo grow in soil?

Lucky bamboo grows pretty well in well-drained soil. So, use well-drained potting soil. This is probably the best medium for growing healthy lucky bamboo when re-potting the old plants or propagating new ones. 

Use pots that can hold the lucky bamboo with good spacing in between the stalks. 

Water regularly because potting soils are well-aerated and tend to lose water very quickly.

• Firstly, get some regular cover pots that have holes at the bottom, and fill them with well-drained potting soil.
• Separate the lucky bamboo plants neatly.
• Put 2, 3 or 5 in pots. Space them out evenly so that they stand upright.
• Then, add distilled water. Do not overwater.
• Place the potted plants in a shaded location, away from direct sunlight, until the plants have shown signs of growth.
• Finally, move them to a designated site indoors. Do not move the plants around regularly as the movements can damage the plants.

Top tip: Lucky bamboo plants are not fussy plants. But they dislike waterlogged soil. So, when growing lucky bamboo in soil, use well-drained potting soil and water regularly.

3. Can lucky bamboo grow in gravel?

Absolutely, lucky bamboo also thrives in gravels, pebbles and rock chips.

• Firstly, find a clear glass vase, and fill it with enough gravel so that it can completely cover the roots.
• Put 2, 3 or 5 lucky bamboo stalks in the vase, and space them out evenly so that they stand upright. Then, add distilled water until it reaches the top of the gravel.
• Then, place the glass vase in a shaded site until the roots are well established. (Avoid placing the new plants in direct sunlight)
• Finally, move the bamboo plants to the desired location after signs of growth are visible.

Top tip: Wash the gravel thoroughly before using it. You can also use plant rooting powder to promote root and leaf growth. Generally, lucky bamboo plants do occasionally require plants feed, not more than twice a year. They are undemanding and will thrive in indoor conditions.

Buy lucky bamboo plants for sale

Get quality plants from UK retailers online. 

Yellowing of leaves and stalks is a sign that the lucky bamboo plant is under stress because of one (or more) of the following limitations. 

The five limitations are the common causes of stress in lucky bamboo plants.

• 1. Lack of freshwater
• 2. Direct sunlight
• 3. Low indoor humidity
• 4. High indoor temperature
• 5. Rotting stalks

Your plants will be happy if you can identify (and improve) the five limitations that inhabit the growth of lucky bamboos. 

Check the linked article, we cover the best conditions for thriving bamboo plants, so that you can minimise the yellowing of leaves and stalks. 

Grow lucky bamboo indoor plants

All in all, lucky bamboo plants are not fussy about where they grow or what medium they grow in. They are undemanding plants and will happily thrive in water, soil or gravel. 

To help the bamboo plants enjoy a stress-free environment, create a conducive indoor atmosphere. 

We hope this article helps you to grow your lucky bamboo. 

If you have any questions, leave a comment below. We’ll be happy to help.

3 best ways to propagate lucky bamboo plants at home

Lucky bamboo is a popular houseplant. But, keen growers are asking 'how can I propagate lucky bamboo plants? You will also need to know how to provide ongoing care for your bamboo plants.

There are 3 common ways to propagate a lucky bamboo plant.

Propagation by

• stem and shoot cuttings,
• separation (plant division) and
• seeds.

How can I take cuttings from lucky bamboo plants?

Before propagating lucky bamboo, take the cuttings either from the main stalks or side shoots. The lucky bamboo plant grows quicker from cutting than from the root separation and seeds.

• To take the cuttings from the main stalk, cut 3 – 5 cm away from the node. As for the new side shoots, take the cutting as close as you can to the main stalk, the new shoot will re-generate so you do not have to worry.
• Tidy up the first 2 – 4 sheaths along the cuttings to make way for the roots to germinate.
• Coat the freshly cut ends with candle wax to stop them from rotting.
• Now, the cuttings are ready for propagating in growing mediums.

How can I propagate stalk and shoot cuttings?

Lucky bamboo cuttings prepared above will thrive in water, soil and gravel. In this case, we’ll use soil as the propagating medium.

• Put cuttings in a growing pot.
• Add well-drained potting soil so that it covers 2 or 3 rooting nodes.
• Water generously, use distilled water.
• Set aside in a well-ventilated location where there is good indoor light.
• Water regularly for 7 to 14 days after planting until you see signs of growth.

Top tip. Always use distilled or rainwater as they are free from chlorine which is the main cause of rotting in these plants.

What is the difference between propagating and growing lucky bamboo plants? Take a look at the top 10 FAQs on lucky bamboo plants.

How can I propagate lucky bamboo by plant divisions?

You can propagate lucky bamboo by plant divisions by separating the stalks from a recent purchase or removed from another pot. 

You can use soil, water or gravel as a growing medium. In this case, we’ll use soil.

• Tidy up any loose leaves, roots and ends.
• Cover any freshly cut ends with candle wax to prevent rotting.
• Prepare a regular pot with loam or potting soil. Place gravels or rock at the bottom of the pot for drainage
• Place the plant divisions in the pot and cover the first 2 – 3 nodes with soil.
• Water generously. (To promote root growth, mix some rooting powder with water)
• Set aside in a well-lit location, away from direct sunlight and busy areas.

Top tip: Within 1 to 2 weeks, new roots and shoots should appear. Water once or twice each week. There is no need to water regularly if you are using loam soil as it has a high water retention capacity. Keep a close watch for signs of rooting and new shoots. Avoid giving the lucky bamboo fertilisers at this early stage.

How can I propagate lucky bamboo plants from seeds?

It takes a long time to get real lucky bamboo plants from seeds. In fact, it can take 6 – 12 months from potting the seeds to getting a real plant. 

Also, lucky bamboo does not flower regularly, that’s why it’s often hard to get the seeds locally. The best thing is the satisfaction of propagating your own plant! 

So, here are the steps you can follow if you are ambitious.

Propagating lucky bamboo from seed:

• Place the seeds out on a wet paper towel or white cloth. The seeds are black and small, so be careful when handling them.
• Prepare the grow pots. Add well-drained moist soil or potting soil. Avoid using regular garden soil because it may have snails and slugs in them.
• Put the seeds about 1 cm to 1.5 cm into the soil. Space them out evenly.
• Water generously and place them in the greenhouse or in a shaded site until they germinate.

After propagating bamboo from seeds

• Check and water regularly, but do not overwater.
• Gently pull out the plants that are 10 cm in height and move them into pots until all your plants have been transplanted.
• Do not empty the growing pot (tray) because some seeds may remain dormant in it. Leave them for a further 2 or 3 weeks until you are absolutely certain that all the seeds have germinated.

Top tip: It can take up to 2 weeks, even longer, for the lucky bamboo seeds to germinate. Once the new plants reach 10 cm to 15 cm tall, transplant them into larger pots. Ensure that the soil you are using is rich in nutrients and well-aerated. Lucky bamboo plants do not like waterlogged soil, do not overwater the plants.

How long does lucky bamboo take to grow?

The propagated plants can take about 2 weeks to 4 weeks for the first signs of growth to appear. 

It depends entirely on the method you are using and the initial care you give to them. Read about the best practices and care guide for lucky bamboo plants. 

Some plants will take longer, so be patient. Either way, the best thing is to enjoy watching your lucky bamboo plants grow.

Conclusion

All in all, you are likely to get healthy plants much faster from the stalk and shoot cuttings than by plant divisions and from seed propagation. 

We hope that the 3 ways help you to propagate lucky bamboo plants. Let us know in the comment which method suits you.

How to care for lucky bamboo plant?

The lucky bamboo plants can live for several years before repotting. They are undemanding and low maintenance. This houseplant needs love and care to thrive indoors. 

But, what are the best ways to maintain the health and appearance of a lucky bamboo plant? Here are five dos and don’ts.

How to Care for Lucky Bamboo Plant?

Must-do

• Use distilled water.
• Keep lucky bamboo indoors.
• Grow them in groups for good luck
• Grow them in pots, vases or clear regular glasses.
• Keep them indoors where there’s filtered light.

Don’ts

• Add fertilisers.
• Use tap water.
• Move the pots/vases
• Place in direct sunlight.
• Place them where pet cats can reach them.

How to care for a lucky bamboo plant?

Distilled water is good for lucky bamboo plants because it’s free of chemicals like chlorine and lead. 

A recent BBC study revealed that there are 18 different chemicals present in tap water. Among them are traces of chlorine used in water treatment and lead from the corrosive water pipes. 

Though the chemicals are present in small amounts, they do affect the health of lucky bamboo plants over time. 

Therefore, it is vital to use only distilled water when using water for growing lucky bamboo plants. Rainwater is also a good alternative. 

Another important factor that affects the growth of lucky bamboo plants in direct sunlight. Exposure to direct sunlight can cause stress to the leaves, especially the new plants. 

Keep them in the shade where there is filtered light. 

Lucky bamboo plants also love high moisture at around 50%. One way to improve moisture indoors is by opening the window and letting outside air in. 

Also, try not to move the lucky bamboo plants around. 

The tall plants growing in water and gravel will dislodge easily. This can harm the roots, stalks and leaves.

Is lucky bamboo poisonous to cats?

Many pet owners are wondering if lucky bamboo plants are poisonous to cats and house pets. 

It’s nontoxic on the exterior, but it causes stomach irritation, vomiting and nausea when ingested. 

There are a couple of things you can do to protect your pets if you are growing lucky bamboo plants indoors. 

Place the vase or pot in a strategic location where pet cats cannot reach. 

Spray the leaves with repellents. By doing this, you'll keep the pet cat safe from licking or eating the bamboo plants.

Lucky bamboo care guide

Here at Garden Bamboo Plants, we gather all-you-need-to-know about growing and caring for lucky bamboo. 

You can find out about the three ways to propagate them, how to grow them in water, soil and grave, and provide the right care. 

Check out the 3 articles on propagating, growing and caring for lucky bamboo plants.

• How to propagate and grow healthy lucky bamboo plants.
• Best ways to revive a dying lucky bamboo plant.
• 10 facts about this popular house plant.

Conclusion (How to care for lucky bamboo plant)

In the wild, lucky bamboo plants are prolific near watering holes, streams and undercovers. So, make the condition as natural as possible. 

We hope that this information helps you to keep your lucky bamboo plant healthy.

Cost-effective ways to build bamboo root barriers

There are cheap ways to build bamboo root barriers and stop bamboo rhizomes from spreading. Most of them will require genuine effort.

Planning before planting bamboo is the most effective way to control bamboo. In this article, you’ll discover the 5 effective and cost-efficient ways to stop the running bamboo plants from spreading.

Buy bamboo root barrier: B&Q and YouGarden.

Planning before planting bamboo

This may sound too much. However, it requires a bit of forethought about how far the bamboo will grow. The bamboo plants have the average area they are likely to cover at maturity. 

Here is an example of the features of the Black Bamboo Nigra. It will give you an idea about the bamboo you are planting. 

When it comes to growing running bamboo, prevention is better than cure. So, the long-term maintenance plans and suggestions below will help you to grow and enjoy bamboo screens and hedges.

Inheriting bamboo plants – what to do

The argument for having a maintenance plan prior to growing bamboo does not hold strong if you inherited bamboo. 

In fact, it can be frustrating given the amount of work you need to do to remove bamboo or stop it from spreading. It can also be a costly exercise. 

But, there are quick hacks for keeping the bamboo plants under control. It takes only a couple of hours per year. You will need the tools for maintaining the bamboo plants.

5 cost-effective ways to stop bamboo from spreading

1. Use a bamboo root barrier when planting bamboo

Using a rubber root barrier is a common method for stopping bamboo rhizomes from spreading. It is also the most flexible way to grow bamboo plants because you can grow them in any direction.

The bamboo root barriers are great when growing bamboo along the boundary, near built areas and anywhere near the house. 

Always put in a root barrier prior to planting the running bamboo. It will lessen the maintenance work as the bamboo grows. This article has more information on bamboo root barriers and how to use them.

2. Grow bamboo in heavy-duty pots

The easiest method to stop bamboo from spreading is to plant it in a pot. The roots are pot-bound and will not spread. They are great pot plants for patios, balconies and any outdoor spaces.

Most of them can be used as natural privacy screens or windbreaks. The heady-duty rubber pots are best as they are strong. If you need more information on selecting pots for planting bamboo plants, check out this article.

3. Grow bamboo in a raised bed

This is a less common way of containing bamboo plants, but it can be pretty effective when done right. You can build an elevated raised bed from any material, yet brick raised beds are best.

Understandably, the bamboo rhizomes do not grow deep into the soil. 

A raised bed of about 50 cm is ideal for spotting any shoots that are creeping out the allotted space. The elevated beds are a nice way to grow bamboo as a centrepiece or as an individual plant.

4. Dig a trench around the perimeter of an existing bamboo

Making a trench is a cost-effective method, especially when you have an overgrown plant. 

However, it will require close supervision, especially in spring when the shoot and rhizome growths are prominent. 

You will have to physically check for new growths and cut them off. It is a simple yet effective way to stop bamboo from spreading. 

You should dig about a 30 cm perimeter around the plant as the bamboo roots, unlike plants, do not have a tap root that grows deep. The rhizomes are at the top layer of the soil and easy to spot as they grow over the trench. 

Maintain the trench once or twice a year, ideally at the beginning of spring and at the end of summer.

5. Use patio slabs, metal sheets or heavy-duty rubber materials as rhizome barriers

Alternatives to rubber root barriers are patio slabs, heavy-duty plastics or metal sheets.

They work pretty good alternatives to the root barriers that you often have around the house or in the garden. 

 You should dig a trench 30 – 50 cm deep and lay them along with it. It works perfectly every time.

We’ve done that here (YouTube video - watch and subscribe).

Where to buy bamboo root barriers?

You can use any of the methods for containing bamboo plants and stopping them from invading the garden or the neighbour’s side. 

Always use a bamboo root barrier when growing the running bamboo plants. 

Here are some UK shops where you can get the bamboo root barrier: B&Q and YouGarden.

 

Benefits of growing bamboo plants

Bamboo plants are problematic because they tend to spread. However, there are two types of bamboo plants – running bamboo and clumping bamboo plants. 

The running bamboo spreads and that is why growers should use root barriers when growing it. Yet both types of bamboo plants have many benefits. 

They are also resilient plants that they can grow in shade or on tough soil. They are evergreen which means you will enjoy the natural greenery all year round. 

The two most common features of bamboo are that its fast-growing and also long-lasting. They come in all sizes, shapes, colours and heights. Fit for any purpose.

So, if you want a quick screen to cover any unsightly features in the garden, bamboo is the go-to plant.

Stop bamboo from spreading

Regardless of whether you've inherited bamboo or want to grow a new plant, these 5 ways of building bamboo barriers will help you. 

Always build bamboo rhizome barriers when growing the running bamboo plants. 

Check out the complete bamboo care and maintenance guides on GardenBambooPlants.com.