How to Grow and Prepare Pumpkin Seeds in the UK

 Pumpkin seeds are a popular snack enjoyed by people all over the world. They are also an essential part of growing pumpkins, making them a favourite of UK gardeners who love to grow their own produce. 

In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about pumpkin seeds, including their benefits, how to separate them from pulp, how to dry them out, and how to prepare them for consumption.

Are Pumpkin Seeds Edible?

Yes, pumpkin seeds are edible and are considered a healthy snack. They are a good source of protein, healthy fats, fibre, and other essential nutrients. 

Pumpkin seeds can be eaten raw or roasted and are often used in baking, cooking, or as a garnish on top of salads.

How to Separate Pumpkin Seeds from Pulp

To separate pumpkin seeds from the pulp, start by cutting the pumpkin open and removing the seeds with a spoon. 

Place the seeds in a colander and rinse them under running water to remove any remaining pulp. Next, spread the seeds out on a paper towel and allow them to dry overnight.

How to Dry Out Pumpkin Seeds

To dry out pumpkin seeds, start by cleaning them as described above. Then, spread the seeds out in a single layer on a baking sheet and leave them in a warm, dry place for a few days until they are completely dry. 

Alternatively, you can dry them in the oven at a low temperature (around 160°F) for 15-20 minutes.

How to Dry Pumpkin Seeds

Drying pumpkin seeds is an essential step if you plan to store them for later use. 

After cleaning and drying the seeds, place them in an airtight container and store them in a cool, dry place. 

Pumpkin seeds can last up to six months if stored properly.

Air Fry Pumpkin Seeds

Air frying pumpkin seeds is a healthy alternative to traditional roasting. 

To air fry the seeds, toss them with a little bit of olive oil and your favourite seasoning. 

Place the seeds in an air fryer and cook at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are crispy and golden brown.

How to Sow Pumpkin Seeds

To sow pumpkin seeds, start by preparing the soil. Pumpkins prefer well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8. 

Plant the seeds 1-2 inches deep and 3-5 feet apart, depending on the variety. 

Water the seeds well and keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which can take anywhere from 5 to 14 days.

How to Bake Pumpkin Seeds

Baking pumpkin seeds is an easy and delicious way to enjoy them as a snack. To bake the seeds, toss them with a little bit of oil and your favourite seasoning. 

Spread the seeds out in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are crispy and golden brown.

How to Eat Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds can be eaten raw or roasted, and they make a great snack on their own or as a topping for salads and soups. 

You can also use them in baking and cooking to add a crunchy texture and nutty flavour to your dishes.

Grow and Prepare Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are a versatile and healthy snack that can be enjoyed in many ways. 

Whether you're growing pumpkins in your garden or simply looking for a nutritious snack, pumpkin seeds are an excellent choice. 

With the information provided in this article, you can now prepare and enjoy pumpkin seeds

Sensory Garden Plants, Flowers, Style and Planting Ideas

Growing your own plants can be a very rewarding experience. It can also be challenging and time-consuming. But with the right amount of time, effort and knowledge, you can grow an amazing sensory garden in your backyard.

Sensory Garden Plants - Style and Planting Ideas

Creating a sensory garden allows your child to experiment with different textures, such as soil, rocks, water, mud, seeds, new sprouts, leaves, roots, and even weeds. 

It also teaches children perseverance and patience. 

There are different plants that evoke each of the five senses.

In this video, you'll see the different design styles, plants and planting ideas that you need to create a stunning sensory garden for your children.

What is a sensory garden?

A sensory garden is an outdoor space that includes plants with textures, colours, shapes and smells that stimulate all of the senses. 

It is a garden for all children but even more so for those with autism spectrum disorder, learning challenges, and behaviour difficulties. 

This garden gives children the opportunity to explore the world and learn about plants. They can enjoy it without any distractions, just them and their senses.

Is it legal to grow bamboo plants in the UK?

The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 lists nearly 40 non-native invasive plants. They must not be planted in gardens or caused to grow in the wild.

Other laws briefly stated in this post cover tall hedges and property damages.

Tall hedges

The Anti-social Behaviour Act, 2003, covers tall hedges but it does not cover garden plant invasion. 

Property damages

The Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act, 2014 enables local authorities and police to issue community protection notices where plants cause damage to neighbours’ gardens and properties. 

The protection notice can be issued when it is shown beyond doubt that the individual in question has persistently acted in a way that has a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those around them.

Is bamboo legal to grow in the UK?

Currently, no specific legislation covers the sale and planting of bamboo plants in the UK.

The UK Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (Updated 11 December 2014, now the Guidance to Invasive Non-native Plants) does not classify bamboo plants as an invasive species.

Not all bamboo plants are invasive

Of the two varieties, the clumping bamboo plants are non-invasive whereas some running bamboo plants are invasive. 

Black Bamboo, Scottish Bamboo and Phyllostachys aurea are running bamboo plants but behave like clumping bamboo in cooler climates. 

Running bamboo options

Choose the clump-forming bamboo, Black Bamboo, Scottish Bamboo or Phyllostachys aurea.

These bamboo plants have attractive stems and evergreen foliage.

 They are good for privacy screening.

Use root barriers to grow running bamboo

Running bamboo rhizomes have the potential to damage built-up areas and cross garden boundaries.

Grow bamboo plants in barriers. This is the best way to grow bamboo screens and hedges

Here are some ideas for bamboo root/rhizome barriers when growing running bamboo.

How to make tomato plants produce more fruit?

Want to know the best way to make tomato plants produce more fruit? There is no hidden secret but to encourage the plant to produce more flowers - the more flowers, the more tomato fruit. 

This video shows how we build a bamboo frame for the tomato plants and encourage more flowers. 

How to make tomato plants produce more fruit?

Many factors affect the growth and fruiting of tomato plants. The common factors include soil, temperature, water and weather. 

Come factor we can control, others are natural and we are dependent on them to give us good harvests.

As far as the much-loved tomato plants are concerned, growers need to provide the best condition for the to give more fruit. And, leave the rest to nature to do its bit. 

Get the Tomato Grow Bags from the UK suppliers

Prune tomato plants for more fruit

You can prune tomato plants to produce more fruit. 

Remove the early leaves to channel the energy into the main plant to produce more flowers and more fruit. 

Also, remove the tips so that the tomato plant does not grow too tall, or too short.

Yet, for tomato plants to produce more fruit they must have lots of flowers. And the flowers must be successfully pollinated, either manually or by bees.

How tall can you let tomato plants grow?

But, how can you get the balance between pruning and the height of the tomato plant so that they produce lots of fruit in summer?

It is important to gardeners that more flowers means more fruit. 

Tomato plants flower at different stages. That means that they fruit at different stages, too.

So, if you want more fruit, you'll have to let the tomato flower at 3 or 4 different stages which means that you'll have tall plants that need support.

Build a strong bamboo frame using bamboo sticks to support the tall tomato plants. [SEE VIDEOS]

So, grow your tomato plants early in summer in nutrient-rich soil, grow bags and pots.

Encourage more flowers by not snipping the tips off early. Get the balance between prunning, watering and staking right.

That way, your tomato plants will produce more fruit.

Let us know what you think in the comment section below.

Parts of a running bamboo plant - diagram

The running bamboos have noticeably long-running rhizomes with pointy tips, also called the Leptomorph rhizomes and can grow over a considerable distance.

Here is the diagram of the parts of a running bamboo plant.

 Dia: Adapted from Bamboos by C.Recht & M.F. Wetterwald

Importance of knowing the parts of a bamboo

As mentioned earlier, there are many different groups of bamboo cultivars. 

The common bamboos we know in the UK are the clump-forming and running bamboos. 

The running and clumping bamboo plants have different parts which are important when it comes to identifying them. 

This is vital especially when reading material or working with bamboo. 

We hope that this information gives you some ideas about the parts of a bamboo plant.

6 fast-growing evergreen hedge plants in the UK

In the UK, many hedge trees and shrubs are either evergreen or deciduous. Some lose their leaves in spring whereas others remain evergreen, including the bamboo plants. 

What are the fast-growing evergreen hedge plants in the UK? Here we take a look at 6 evergreen, fastgrowing hedge plants. Bamboo, Green Leylandii, Photinia Red Robin, Western Red Cedar, Portuguese Laurel and Beech. 

 

6 fast-growing evergreen hedge plants

Most hedging plants are evergreen except Beech which loses its leaves in Autumn. 

The beech tree has tightly packed branches that still provide the hedging cover in Autumn and Winter, except for the greenery. 

Of the 6 plants, bamboo is the only grass variety among the fast-growing evergreen hedging plants.

Check out the YouGarden Collections of hedging plants. (Affiliate link)

Source: RHS, Woodland Trust, et all.

Tips for selecting the right hedging plants

(The article All you need to know about Selecting Bamboos for Hedging and Screening also provides additional information on the different bamboo plants. Check out the article linked)

Where to buy hedging?

We work with some big UK home and garden brands. 

Check out the links to go straight to their website where you can find out about the hedging plants we feature in this article.

• Phyllostachys Bamboo Plants     Crocus.co.uk
• Clump-forming Bamboos           YouGarden UK

Fast-growing evergreen hedge plants

We know that bamboos are among the 6 fast-growing hedge plants in the UK. 

They are at the top of the group of evergreen hedging plants and come in various shapes, sizes and colours. 

They will require some care and attention as they grow. 

If you want a quick hedge, bamboos are definitely a better option.

What running bamboo plants to grow?

Running bamboo plants are invasive. They spread.

Always use a bamboo root barrier when growing them in the garden. 

 See the top 5 running bamboo you can grow based on popularity and gardeners' preferences.

 

What running bamboo plants can you grow in the UK?

Bamboos are fast-growing hedge and privacy screen plants. 

Yet their invasiveness is a concern. Here are the control measures worth repeating.

• Survey the area before planting running bamboos;
• Use bamboo root barriers.
• Plant bamboos in large heavy-duty pots.

Bamboo plants for sale in the UK

Top 5 running bamboo to plant in the garden

Based on the popularity and gardeners' preferences, here are the top 5 running bamboo plants you can grow in the garden. (Get more information via the links)

• 1) Phyllostachys Aurea (Fishpole bamboo) – Tall, slim and tough bamboos, ideal for garden sticks. If you want a good supply of bamboo sticks to use in the garden, this is the best bamboo.

• 2) Phyllostachys Bissettii (Green Bamboo): tall culms and long, dark green leaves, dense evergreen foliage. A fantastic bamboo for the border hedge or privacy screen.

• 3) Phyllostachy Areosulcata 'Spectabilis' (Golden Groove Bamboo) – spectacular culms, ideal for the driveway, or tall hedge and privacy screens. It’s also great as an individual plant, plant it where you can see the colours (yellow and green stripes) all year round.

• 4) Phyllostachys vivax aureocaulis (Golden Chinese Timber Bamboo) – similar to Phyllostachys aureosulcata 'Spectabilis', but bigger and taller. This timber bamboo has yellow and stunning green stripes. Best for thick privacy screens.

• 5) Bamboo Phyllostachys Sulphurea Viridis (Ougon-kou Chiku Bamboo) - is 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. Very invasive.

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

Red, yellow and black bamboo plants

Bamboos come in many different colours, sizes and shapes. Bamboo gardeners know that there is always the right bamboo for every garden. 

The 5 bamboos above are yellow and green bamboos. 

You can also find out about the stunning red bamboo and black bamboo via the links.

FEATURED: Phyllostachys rubromarginata, (also called the Reddish Bamboo or Red Margin Bamboo) has a rather reddish colour of the new shoots. This running bamboo is tall and upright. It tends to spread very quickly, ideal for tall hedges and quick natural privacy screens.

What to do when bamboo invades other spaces?

It will cost you a lot of money, time and effort to bring them under control later. If your garden bamboo invades other sections or the neighbour’s side, you’ll have to act fast. 

An effective way to remove running bamboo rhizomes is to dig them up completely. Uprooting bamboo plants is hard work because the rhizomes are tough. 

But the underground parts do not grow deep, they are often found on the top 30 – 50 cm layer of the soil. To remove the bamboo rhizomes, dig around the plants to get an idea about how far they’ve grown. 

Then, use a pickaxe and crew bar to remove small sections until all is done. 

Alternatively, dig around the plants and put in root barriers. 

Take a look at how we managed to bring our running bamboo plants under control in this YouTube video. 

Related article here – Tools You’ll Need to Remove Running Bamboo Rhizomes. 

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.

Tall bamboo plants in the UK

Bamboos are amazing plants, they come in different sizes, heights and colours. 

Some are clumping whereas others are running. In particular, tall bamboo plants are best for privacy screening. 

Let’s take a look at the 10 tall bamboo plants for sale in the UK and where you can get them.

 

10 tall bamboo plants – all you need to know

Here at GardenBambooPlants.Com, we provide information about running and clumping bamboo. They are available for free. 

We summarised the information and make it easy for our visitors to select the right bamboo. 

You can identify the uses, spread, colour, height and details of the tall bamboos that grow in the UK. 

Click on the image to find out more about the 10 tall bamboos we featured here.

 

Tall Bamboo Plants for Sale in the UK

Buy tall bamboo plants online from the UK home and garden shops. 

We are affiliate partners with renowned UK suppliers of bamboo plants and products. They deliver the highest quality plants that are ready for planting upon arrival.

Our relationship with the top UK bamboo sellers enables us to find the bamboos that you'll love. 

We refer you straight to the sales page where you can make your buy safely and securely. 

Rest assured that when you buy tall bamboo plants online, you get the best service they offer to customers.

How tall do bamboos grow?

Bamboo plants come in different heights. The Fargesia clumping bamboos are shorter than the Phyllostachys running bamboos. 

The common bamboos that grow in the UK range from 0.5 metres to 15 metres such as the Dwarf Fargesia bamboos and Chinese bamboos, respectively. 

Also, the giant bamboo (Gigantochloa verticillate) growing inside the Kew Garden Palm House is 20 metres tall, they had to snip the top off. So, there is a range of heights. 

Here at GardenBambooPlants.Com, we classify the bamboo collections into the following categories:

• Tall bamboos (6 metres+).
• Medium bamboos (4 – 6 metres).
• Small bamboos (0.5 – 4 metres).

Follow the links for more information.

How to use tall bamboo plants for screening

Some tall bamboo plants are running whereas others are clumping. They are perfect for tall privacy screens. They are undemanding plants and will grow well in the UK climate. 

The image from Kew Royal Botanical Garden shows the tall natural screen, contrasting perfectly with the plants at the front. 

Other uses include landscaping, potting plants or adding a unique focal point to your garden.

Grow bamboo, enjoy the evergreen foliage

Bamboo plants are becoming a popular oriental plant and it’s easy to see why. They are fast-growing plants, undemanding and provide the evergreen cover all year round. 

You can use bamboo roots/rhizome barriers or grow them in pots to stop them from invading other spaces. 

Here is the best advice on how to grow bamboo plants, and provide the right care and maintenance.

We hope that this article points you in the right direction, where you can find the best tall bamboo plants.

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. 

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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.

Facts about lucky bamboo plants [Draceana sanderiana]

Lucky bamboo plants do not belong to the real bamboo family, Poaceae. They are related to the tropical water lily plants, scientifically called Draceana sanderiana. 

Its other names include Chinese Water Bamboo and Friendship Bamboo. 

These plants are versatile monocots with succulent stalks, which are completely different from hollow bamboo canes. 

They are native plants to the tropical regions of the South Pacific, Southeast Asia and parts of West Africa; and grow abundantly near streams or natural water pools. 

The lucky bamboo plants thrive in water and that’s why they are one of the top houseplants. 

They are traditionally given as gifts, symbolising success, health, goodness and wealth.

1. How fast do lucky bamboo plants grow?

Lucky bamboo is a relatively fast-growing plant. It can grow to 8 cm in a month, reaching its maximum height in one year.

2. How tall does lucky bamboo grow?

Lucky bamboo can grow to about 100 cm and spread 20 cm. But it also depends on whether the bamboo is growing in water, gravel or soil. Other indoor conditions can also affect its growth.

3. How long do lucky bamboo plants live?

It’s hard to say but like other indoor plants, its longevity depends entirely on the care they receive. The indoor bamboo plants can live up to 5 years where conditions are the best. 

Also, your plants can live longer if you re-pot them from water to soil.

4. What to do if lucky bamboo leaves and stalks turn yellow?

Separate the affected plants and re-grow them. 

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

The article gives clear instructions on How to revive dying Lucky Bamboo Plants in 3 easy steps.

See the link below on how to revive lucky bamboo plant leaves turning yellow.

 

5. Can I grow lucky bamboo in soil?

Absolutely, you can grow lucky bamboo in soil. You can also grow them in gravel and water.

6. What is the best way to propagate lucky bamboo?

The best (and probably) the only way to grow lucky bamboo is by using the ‘cuttings’.

7. Is lucky bamboo poisonous to cats?

Lucky bamboo is poisonous to cats and other pets when ingested. So, keep it out of reach of pet animals.

8. How can I grow lucky bamboo in water?

For best results, use distilled water and clear glass vases to grow lucky bamboo. Read about the best ways to grow them.

9. What is the difference between ‘propagating’ and ‘growing’ lucky bamboo?

These terms are used interchangeably, but propagating lucky bamboo refers to the initial phase of getting the plants to root and put out leaves before planting. 

Whereas, ‘growing’ is often used when re-potting (planting) a lucky bamboo that has already been rooted.

10. What is the ‘one thing’ I must do when planting lucky bamboo?

The top tip is to use distilled water every time whether you are propagating or growing lucky bamboo or replenishing water.

Why is lucky bamboo popular?

Though lucky bamboo plants are poisonous to cats, they are becoming popular, and it is easy to see why. 

They are fantastic indoor plants, undemanding and adored by traditional gardeners in many parts of the world. Their vibrant shiny green colour is hard to miss. 

They are such happy plants. They’ll grow where you put them.

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.

Sacred Bamboo: Nandina domestica heavenly bamboo shrubs

Nandina domestica, widely known as nandina heavenly bamboo, heavenly bamboo or sacred bamboo, are evergreen flowering plants from the Berberidaceae family. 

Nandina heavenly bamboo plants are shrubs, not real bamboo plants from the grass family, Poaceae. Heavenly bamboo is the perfect ornamental plant for small gardens and pots.

There are several cultivars that produce stunning bright red berries and foliage in autumn and winter.

They are undemanding and low maintenance. You can propagate heavenly bamboo plants from stem cutting, root cutting or seed.

Nandina heavenly bamboo features

• Botanical name: Nandina domestica
• Common name: Sacred bamboo, Heavenly bamboo
• Family: Berberidaceae
• Plant type: Slow-growing shrub
• Native to: Eastern Asia to Japan
• Flowers in: Summer
• Berries: Bright red in Spring
• Foliage: Evergreen (leaves green to bright red)
• Propagation by: Root/stem cuttings, seeds
• Soil: Well-drained moist, slightly acidic
• Position: Full sun/Part shade
• Height: 2 metres
• Width: 1.5 metres
• Uses: Small garden, pots and planters
• Toxicity: Berries are mildly toxic to pet animals and birds if eaten in large quantities

What are the cultivars of nandina heavenly bamboo plants?

There are several types of nandina, but the 5 listed below are common in the UK. 

They have white flowers in summer with stunning arrays of foliage. 

Notably, the new foliage tends to change colour from summer to autumn to winter and spring. Yet, they are evergreen shrubs and do not lose their leaves through all the colour changes.

• 1) Nandina domestica ‘Fire Power’ – upright, evergreen shrub with bright red foliage in autumn.
• 2) Nandina domestica ‘Gulf Stream’ – new foliage is reddish-brown, turns green to red, white flowers in summer.
• 3) Nandina domestica – upright, evergreen shrub with white flowers, red berries and reddish foliage in autumn and spring.
• 4) Nandina domestica ‘Magical Lemon and Lime’ – new foliage is light yellow to green, turning deep green as it matures.
• 5) Nandina domestica ‘Obsessed’ – upright, evergreen shrub with white flowers and fire-engine red new shoots, foliage turn green in summer and red again in autumn as it matures.

Heavenly bamboo plants for sale: All 5 cultivars are available at Thompson and Morgan (visit product page). You may also be interested in other plant alternatives to bamboo with bamboo names.

Is Nandina heavenly bamboo a bamboo plant?

The leaves look like those of the bamboo plants that is why it is called Heavenly Bamboo. 

In fact, nandina heavenly bamboo is from the shrub family Berberidaceae and not grass family Poaceae. It is not clumping or running a bamboo plant. 

Nandina doemstica plant is a good alternative to bamboo plants as it provides an evergreen cover all year round.

How to propagate heavenly bamboo?

The quickest (and probably best) way to propagate nandina heavenly bamboo is from a root cutting.

• Carefully take root cutting and propagate it in a grow pot.
• Use well-drained moist loam soil or a potting mixture until it is ready for transplanting.

You can also grow nandina heavenly bamboo from stem cutting. Take the cutting, preferably, in summer and grow it in a propagating medium until roots appear. 

However, it can take longer compared to growing it from a root cutting Growing heavenly bamboo from seeds can take much longer, but you can get lots of plants from the seeds. 

The seeds are normally ready in late autumn and winter when it turns vibrant red.

• Pick the seeds and sow them in a propagator until they grow.
• Then, transplant them into grow pots before planting them in the garden.
• It can take 6-12 months before transplanting them, and it depends on the conditions.

How to grow healthy heavenly bamboo in the garden?

Nandina heavenly bamboo is undemanding and easy to grow. It can grow well in any location, but the colours of the foliage and berries are prominent in the sun. Plant in spring when new growths are emerging.

• Plant Nandina heavenly bamboo in well-drained, moist soil. It will also tolerate slightly acidic soil.
• Add mulch with bark chips after planting.
• Water generously until they are well established.

How to prune nandina heavenly bamboo plants?

New shoots grow after pruning in spring. (Garden Bamboo Plants)

Nandina is a slow-growing plant, that rarely needs pruning. However, light trimming especially in spring may be required to promote new growth. It is also the perfect way to keep it in shape. 

It is a vigorous plant and will grow new shoots as soon as spring arrives. 

Cut at a 45 degrees angle from the nodes with a clean pair of secateurs. 

Remove any old plant that looks tired. Take it completely off the bottom so that new plants can take over.

Conclusion

Nandina sacred heavenly bamboo plants have the perfect evergreen foliage that changes colours throughout the different seasons. 

They are well-known for their beautiful white flowers in summer, and fiery red leaves and berries in winter and autumn. They are undemanding and easy to grow.