How to grow red bamboo plants?

Red bamboo plants are a stunning group of plants, though not so common as the black bamboo plants. 

Most of the red bamboo plants are from the clumping variety. 

Check out these articles for the 5 best read bamboo plants that grow well in the UK, US, Canada, Australia and other parts of the temperate regions where there are four seasons.

Grow red bamboo plants in the garden

Bamboos are evergreen and long-lasting, best grown in sites where they’ll provide a permanent cover such as in the garden as ornamental plants, or along the boundary as hedges and privacy screens. 

The red bamboos are a standout. 

So, grow them somewhere obvious where you will admire them all year round. 

It is a good idea to use root barriers if you are growing the running red bamboo plants because this will stop them from spreading. 

Alternatively, grow them in pots. See below why growing bamboo plants in pots is a great idea.

Grow red bamboo plants pot?

The red bamboos are fantastic pot plants. Though these plants do not flower regularly, the red canes are naturally beautiful.

• Movable

Most bamboos in pots are not easy to move because they are large and heavy plants. 

The red bamboo plants will require additional help or tool to move them around, like this Hand Truck from B&Q. 

However, the great thing about growing bamboo in pots is that you CAN actually move and adjust the pots to your heart’s desire with a bit of help.

• Maintainable

Bamboos are undemanding plants. 

You can prune the culms and leave the greenery you want on the potted bamboos, and they’ll keep producing new shoots year on year. 

That is why they are great natural privacy plants.

• Protection

Bamboo plants are hardy and can withstand cold and frosts. 

Though they are generally tolerant to insects and bugs, the new shoots are susceptible to slug attacks. 

So, growing them in pots and elevating them above the ground is the best protection.

• Root barriers

The red running and clumping bamboos are either invasive or will expand at the base. 

Either use the large heavy pots or root barrier to stop them from spreading.

• Indoor and patio plants

Bamboos in pots can be used as natural screens for balconies, patios, porches, and verandas. 

They also provide a calm and relaxing atmosphere for the outdoor sitting areas and are good conversation starters when friends and family visit you. 

You can grow the red bamboo in the garden and use root barriers to stop them from spreading. 

Alternatively, you can use the pots to grow these bamboos. 

Either way, the red bamboos will give your garden and home a different but natural appearance.

What Clumping Bamboos to Grow - Umbrella Plants

Umbrella bamboo plants have tall stems and ‘dense foliage'. 

They are clumping bamboo plants.

The thick arching foliage of these bamboos forms a formidable over-hanging shape like an umbrella, thus the name Umbrella Bamboo. 

Their new shoots grow very fast before putting out branches. These bamboo plants tend to reach a height of about 4 to 6 metres, ideal for heavy top-hedge screening.

For example, these bamboos can be used to provide an evergreen cover (or screen) for boundaries, walls and low buildings. 

 Here are 5 tall bamboo plants with an average height of 6 metres and produce the evergreen ‘umbrella’ effect.

Umbrella clumping bamboo privacy plants 6 metres

Most umbrella-clumping bamboo plants grow to 6 metres and are much denser than running bamboo. 

They thrive in the UK climate. 

The bamboo plants listed above are predominantly clump-forming with either thicker culms or produce masses of culms in Spring. 

As the name suggests, the clumping bamboo canes (culms) tend to grow into a tight cluster around the parent plant, forming a formidable tight screen. 

The foliages of matured umbrella bamboo arch into an umbrella shape. 

Unlike the upright bamboos, this special group of bamboos is the best choice for privacy.

 

Clumping umbrella bamboo plants form thick covers

If you are planting bamboo to provide privacy from a short wall or the neighbour's shed, the clump-forming bamboos are the best options. 

However, you may have to buy more than one plant to provide a good cover.

As a rule of thumb, plant the clump-forming bamboo no more than 1.5 metres to give you are dense hedging screen.

Here are the 5 umbrella bamboo plants that form clusters of ‘dense-culms'. 

They are ideal for growing in the garden or in pots and containers. One top tip is to grow these bamboo plants in pots for balcony or patio privacy. 

Choose the bamboo according to the height specification - click here to find out more.

Quick links to bamboo plants for privacy and hedging

What kind of bamboo is best for privacy? 

Depending on what you like, here are some suggestions of living bamboo plants for creating an ideal privacy space.

• Award Winners Best Features
• Living bamboo plants for balcony privacy
• Tall bamboos for 6+ metres hedge and privacy
• Short to medium height bamboo plants 0.5-4 metres
• Medium height bamboos for natural privacy screens 4-6 metres

The umbrella bamboo plants are the best option for privacy screening. 

They are undemanding plants but will provide the cover you need for a long time. 

If you have any questions about the umbrella bamboo, leave a comment below and we'll get back to you.

Best Dwarf Bamboo Plants to Grow in Shade, Patio, Driveway and Boundaries

Chinese dwarf bamboo plants are great undercover plants. 

Most of them prefer shade to part-shaded sites. 

They are ideal small bamboos for gardens and pots because they do not take up much space, and are less demanding and low-maintenance plants.

The Chinese Dwarf Bamboo Plants come in different sizes, shapes and colours. They make up less than 10 per cent of the bamboos that we feature on gardenbambooplants.com. 

So, what are the Chinese bamboo plants? 

This article is a fine collection of small bamboos that thrive in the UK.

5 Dwarf Bamboo Plants to Grow Undercovers

Here are 5 small bamboos to grow as undercover plants. These plants are chosen based on their shade tolerance.

Find out the best way to grow the small bamboo plants. 

1. Luca Dwarf Umbrella Bamboo

This clump-forming bamboo was the 2018 RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year contender. 

Luda is ideal for ground cover and pots because of its dense (umbrella) evergreen foliage low down on the ground.

2. Bambusa textilis ‘RG Dwarf’ (Weaver’s Bamboo Dwarf)

Do not be fooled by the name, this clumping bamboo can grow to 5 metres in height. 

Compared to the other Dwarf Bamboos the Weaver’s Bamboo is tall. 

3. Bimbo Dwarf Bamboo

Stunning clump-forming ornamental Dwarf Bamboo. 

Bimbo has thin green compacted leaves and short culms that form an ‘umbrella’ effect low on the ground. Ideal plant for short hedges, privacy screens, small gardens and confined spaces. 

A fantastic evergreen pot or container plant.

4. Fargesia nitida Jiuzhaigou Bamboo

The stems/culms of this spectacular clump-forming dwarf bamboo emerge green, turn deep red and mature to yellowish-orange. 

In fact, the change in colours is a response to the amount of light the stems receive.

5. Winter Joy

The Fargesia murielae ‘Winter Joy’ is a hybrid bamboo, cross between ‘Simba’ and ‘Dwarf Fountain’ Umbrella Bamboos. 

It has a distinct dark green culm (stem) with red overlays. 

Winter joy is hardy, evergreen and non-invasive.

Best for growing in the garden, or in pots and containers. 

Generally, the dwarf bamboo plants are ideal ground covers. 

They will thrive in part shade to shaded sites. Most of these plants are hardy and grow in cooler climates. 

If you want to add colour and greenery to your driveway or patio, these 5 bamboos are ideal candidates. 

They are also best planted in pot plants for apartments, porches, verandas and other outdoor areas that are in close proximity to the main buildings. 

How to grow Chinese dwarf bamboo plants

 There are different types of bamboo plants. The Chinese dwarf bamboo plants are best for shade, undergrowths and ground covers.

Are Chinese Dwarf Bamboo Plants invasive?

The great thing about these bamboos is that they are small and undemanding. You can find them as both running and clumping bamboos.

The running varieties will spread. Always use root barriers to stop them from invading other spaces. Alternatively, grow them in pot planters. 

Clumping varieties are non-invasive. You do not have to worry about spreading. 

However, the clumping bamboo bases will expand over time. If this happens, it will require pruning and thinning.

How to Grow Dwarf Bamboo Plants

The three ways to grow bamboo plants are seed propagation, culm cuttings and rhizome separation. 

A lesser-known method is called air-layering, which is similar to budding the bamboo branches until they establish roots. 

The small bamboo plants grow well by rhizome separation which is more effective than the other methods. 

This article (Split Potted Bamboo Plants) explains how to separate the bamboo plants if you buy them in pots. It gives you a good idea about what to do and how to preserve the rhizomes before planting. 

In addition, you will need these Hand Tools, take a look.

Where to buy Dwarf 'Clumping' Bamboo Plants?

Check out the UK retailers we listed here where you can get the Chinese Dwarf Bamboo plants. 

They come in different size pots. 

The bigger pots can give you up to 4 plants if you separate them properly.

Caring for Small Bamboo Plants

The Chinese Dwarf Bamboo Plants will definitely require attention, especially, if they are planted from rhizomes separation.

The plant is under stress after cutting, so provide the care it needs to grow during the early stage. Add water and mulch where or when necessary. 

Monitor its growth for the first couple of months or until new shoots and leaves emerge. The emerging shoots are a sign that the roots hairs and rhizomes are healthy under the soil. 

You should be happy when this happens.

When is the best time to plant bamboo?

Bamboos are tough and hardy. The small bamboos can withstand temperatures up to minus 25 degrees Celsius. 

In the UK, they do not have natural pests apart from slugs, but we observed signs of new bamboo shoots being eaten by rats and or squirrels - see the video.

Slugs do like the new bamboo leaves and shoots, so protect your new plants by adding slug pallets. 

The best time to grow bamboo plants is at the beginning of Spring when new growths are prominent. 

Chinese dwarf bamboo plants are great outdoor 

The Chinese dwarf bamboo plants are great outdoor and indoor plants. 

They are less demanding. 

Check out the link, if you want more details on other small bamboo plants and Variegated Bamboos plants that thrive in cooler climates.

You can find them as running and clumping bamboos. They come in different colours. 

Hope this article gives you some ideas about the dwarf bamboo cultivars that you can grow in the UK. 

Is your favourite bamboo on this list?

Leave a comment and let us know.

What bamboo grow in shade?

There are many kinds of bamboo plants. Some prefer shade whereas others part-shade and sun. To answer the question Does Bamboo Grow in Shade? 

We list 6 bamboos that can grow in shade: 3 are running bamboos whereas the other 3 are clumping. 

Follow the links to find out more about the growth requirements and special features of each bamboo in our database.

Six bamboos to grow in shaded sites

There are many bamboos that also prefer shaded sites or undercovers. They range in size and colour. 

Let’s take a look at the 6 bamboos you can grow in the shaded sites.

• 1) Phyllostachys Nuda Bamboo Features
• 2) Fishpole Bamboo Phyllostachys aurea
• 3) Phyllostachys Humilis Scottish Bamboo Plants

• 4) Fargesia papyrifera Blue Dragon
• 5) Fargesia nitida Pillar fountain bamboo
• 6) Fargesia murielae Simba Umbrella Bamboo

Bamboo plants for shade and part-shade

The 6 bamboos will tolerate densely shaded sites. For example, under trees and wall covers or planted as pot plants for indoor areas. 

At gardenbambooplants.com, we list nearly 100 bamboos that grow well in the UK. 

This list is growing as we add more bamboo plants that thrive in the UK to it. 

Many home and garden retailers in the UK sell these 6 bamboo plants. 

We recommend checking the renowned UK retailers listed here for your bamboo plants and supplies.

Can you grow bamboo plants in shade - here are 6 bamboo plants that you can grow in shade.

What running bamboos grow in shade?

The running bamboos are an invasive variety because they have running rhizomes that spread along the ground. It is important to use a root barrier before growing them.

Warning: The running bamboo plants are invasive. 

Alternatively, grow them in pots to stop the bamboo from spreading in the garden

1)  Phyllostachys Nuda Bamboo Features

2)  Fishpole Bamboo Phyllostachys aurea

3) Phyllostachys Humilis Scottish Bamboo Plants

Always use a bamboo barrier or large heavy-duty pots to grow them.

Can bamboo grow in shade?

Bamboo can grow in shade. The bamboos listed above are some that you can grow in shaded areas or under covers. 

One of the peculiar things about bamboo plants is that there are many varieties. Some are running, and others are clumping. 

From the 6 bamboo plants that you can grow in shade, we put them into running and clumping to make it easy to find what you want.

What clumping bamboos grow in shade?

The clumping bamboos have rhizomes that tend to form clump clusters. That means that they do not spread, instead, the clumpers will expand around the base in time. 

There is no need to worry about spreading, but you may have to prune or thin out the culms to keep them in shape.

• 1) Fargesia papyrifera Blue Dragon
• 3) Fargesia murielae Simba Umbrella Bamboo
• 5) Fargesia nitida Pillar fountain bamboo

Here is a collection of clumping bamboo plants that you can grow in the UK, some of them have been awarded the prestigious RHS awards.

Sunlight is important for bamboo plants

Like other plants, sunlight is important for bamboo plants. 

Many of these plants grow in the tropical and sub-tropical undercovers and are tolerant to shade. You can grow the bamboos in shaded areas in the UK. 

Here are some points to note when growing bamboo in shaded sites, where there is a lack of sunlight. 

Positives: Bamboos will grow in shades and tend to have the following positive features.

• Dark green foliage.
• Better ground covers.
• Tall and slender culms.
• Fast-growing hedges and screens.

Negatives: Bamboos that grow in shades tend to have the following negative features.

• Leaves turn yellow and curl.
• Browning of culms.
• Thin leaves and culms.
• Produce fewer shoots as the plants mature.
• Less hardy in winter due to thin leaves and culms.

What to do to address the ‘negatives’?

As mentioned, bamboos are tolerant plants, they can grow in shaded areas. 

Apart from the need for sunlight, other factors can exacerbate the problems of growing bamboo in the shade. 

For your plants to do well in shade, ensure that the soil is nutrient-rich and well aerated. Prune and thin the old culms. Add mulch to conserve moisture and improve soil aeration.

Where necessary, add the NPK fertilisers or any slow-release fertilisers rich in nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. 

 We covered the best practices for growing bamboo plants in this article – Bamboo Care and Maintenance Guide.

How fast does bamboo grow in the UK?

The bamboo plants grow very quickly. But how fast do they grow? 

We measured the rate of growth of Phyllostachys aureosulcata spectabilis and found out that it grew at a rate of 1.43cm per day. 

This is how fast bamboo grows in a non-native environment. 

 To put it in perspective, new shoots that grow in Spring will reach a height of 2 metres by summer in the UK. 

Check out the video showing the growth rate of the bamboo plants.

 

Bamboos can grow in shades. You must choose the bamboo that tolerates shades or part-shaded sites. 

 The 6 bamboos in this article will thrive in shaded areas in the UK. 

Leave a comment and let us know about your choice of bamboo. 

Follow us on YouTube Garden Bamboo Plants to see what we are up to in the Bamboo Garden.

What bamboo plants to grow in pots?

Bamboos are great standalone plants. 

They’ll look absolutely beautiful in pots. You can grow bamboo in pots for both running and clumping varieties.

Let’s have a look at what bamboos you can grow in pots, and their advantages and disadvantages.

How to find the best bamboo for pots?

Most of the bamboo on gardenbambooplant.com are suitable for pots. We list over 100 bamboo plants that thrive in the UK. 

Each bamboo in the list is chosen based on its recommended uses, growth requirements and special features. 

We identified the features so that you can find the best bamboo for pots and in shade, part-shade or sun.  

Use the tips to identify the right bamboo.

What bamboo to grow in pots

We arranged most of them into groups to make it easy for our visitors. Here are some bamboos that you can grow in pots.

• Yellow bamboo plants
• Red Clumping Bamboo Plants
• Chinese Dwarf Bamboo Plants
• Bamboos that grow well in shade
• Bamboo plants for balcony screening
• Small bamboo < 1 metre for garden hedges
• Variegated Running and Clumping Bamboo plants

Bamboo propagated from rhizome cuttings

How to grow bamboo in pots?

The bamboos’ spread, height and other growth requirements are based on garden conditions, therefore, they will NOT grow to the specifications when in pots. 

As a rule of thumb, estimate a growth specification of 50%-75%. For example, a bamboo that grows to a height of 2 metres in the garden condition will grow to a height of 1.5 metres in the pot. 

 Ideally, use large heavy-duty pots. Remember that the size of the pots will determine how often to re-pot the bamboo. 

The larger the better. 

Smaller pots will require re-potting in less than two years given how fast bamboos grow. 

Check out this article for more information on how to grow bamboo in pots.

What pots to grow bamboo?

Bamboos are tough plants but are responsive to prolonged heat and waterlogged areas. Avoid using metal and ceramic pots. 

These materials store heat which can affect the underground parts due to heat exposure during the warm summer months. 

Your bamboo should be okay if you use a pot that does not store heat. 

Heavy-duty plastic pots, treated wood planters, or resin containers and planters will do the job. Another important factor is drainage. 

Use well-drained pots to grow bamboo plants. Avoid any pot that has poor drainage. 

The pots should be well-drained so that not too much water is lost in warmer months, and is not waterlogged when it rains.

What are the advantages of growing bamboo in pots?

Bamboo in pots offers tranquillity and creates a calming atmosphere both indoors and outdoors. 

You can grow both the running and clumping bamboos in pots, move them around and create an ideal home and garden space. 

The clumping bamboos are fantastic for large pots, while they prevent running bamboo rhizomes from spreading. 

They also offer flexibility for moving them around. For example, they can be given as presents or moved indoors to decorate patios, balconies and porches.

What are the disadvantages of growing bamboo in pots?

The main worry about growing bamboo is the invasiveness. 

More so, it requires ongoing care and maintenance such as pruning, thinning and re-potting. 

Pots are great barriers when it comes to stopping bamboo from invading other spaces.

Growing bamboos in pots

The advantages of growing bamboo in pots far outweigh the disadvantages. 

The pots are great barriers when growing bamboo plants. So, use large heavy-duty plastic pots. 

They are best for growing bamboo plants. There is no limit to what bamboo you can grow in pots. 

You can grow both varieties and enjoy the evergreen plants all year round.

Conclusion (Can you grow bamboo in pots?)

Both running and clumping bamboos are amazing pot plants. Hope the related articles give you an idea about what bamboo you can grow in pots. 

Comment and let us know what you think. 

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

What Giant Bamboo Plants Grow in the UK?

They are the fastest-growing plants. Kew Royal Botanic Gardens has one of the largest collections of garden bamboo in the UK. 

At Kew’s Tropical Palm House, you’ll see the giant bamboo.

• Gigantochloa verticillate Giant Bamboo.
• Bambusa ventricosa Buddha's Belly Bamboo.
• Bambusa vulgaris – the Common Bamboo.

The three Giant Bamboos are a must-see. Kew Bamboo Garden also has 130 different bamboo growing naturally.

Gigantochloa verticillate Giant Bamboo

Here is what Kew said about the giant bamboo: 

The giant bamboo is the largest of all the bamboos. It grows 25-30 metres in the wild, as tall as a tree. 

This bamboo is native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific, particularly China and Papua New Guinea. In the greenhouse at Kew Gardens, this bamboo reached the top of the ceiling and had to be cut.

Bambusa ventricosa Buddha's Belly Bamboo

Another large bamboo in Kew’s Tropical Glass House is the popular Buddha's Belly Bamboo. 

Its peculiar shiny green culms are a standout – you will hardly miss it. 

The swollen or bulging internodes of its culms resemble Buddha’s fat belly which is why it earns the name Buddha's Belly Bamboo. 

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

Bambusa ventricosa (Buddha's Belly Bamboo) is probably the most peculiar-shaped bamboo that also grows in the UK. It has a clumping nature, great as a pot plant or garden plant.

Bambusa vulgaris – the Common Bamboo

#Bambusa vulgaris (also known as the Common #Bamboo) pic.twitter.com/cgiBhsx223

— G.B.P (@BambooPlantsUK) March 30, 2022

This giant tropical bamboo also grows in Kew Tropical Glass House, also known as the Common Bamboo. 

An amazing bamboo with glossy green culms, large brown sheaths and hairy rims around the nodes. 

This giant timber bamboo is predominantly used for buildings and constructions and stakes for large garden plants like bananas and sugar cane.

Where to see the giant bamboo in the UK?

The Kew Royal Botanic Gardens is the place to see not only the Giant Timber Bamboos but also garden bamboo plants that grow in the UK.

The Kew’s Tropical Glass House is where you’ll see these three giant bamboo in all their glory. 

So, when you’re in London, visit Kew and see these adorable plants. The Bamboo Garden and Minka Japanese House have over 130 collections of bamboo plants. 

This is by far one of the largest collections of bamboo you will see near London, UK. 

The Bamboo Garden is magnificent, quiet calm and soothing. You can wander through the beautiful walkways and the arching bamboo. Or relax and listen to the rustle of bamboo leaves against the wind. 

Check out our video and image collection of the bamboo at Kew’s Tropical Glass House and Japanese Bamboo Garden.

Uses of Giant Bamboo plants

The giant bamboos are so versatile, they earn the name ‘friends of the people’. 

The bamboo sticks are used in buildings, paper making, utensils and tools, musical instruments and even for food. 

They also protect watershed areas from flooding. In mountainsides, they are important barriers to preventing soil erosion.

However, the giant bamboo natural habitats have now been lost to urbanisation and agricultural land use. Yet, it is often planted in stands as a source of building materials.

How to propagate clump-forming bamboo [base separation]

Clumping bamboos do not have running rhizomes, instead, the roots are packed around the base forming a clumped base, hence the name clump-forming bamboo. 

When separating the clumps, take care to preserve the parent plant.

Find out how to propagate clump-forming bamboo by base separation. Check out how to propagate running bamboo and lucky bamboo plants.

How to separate clump-forming bamboo from the main plant?

The rhizome clusters can be difficult to separate from the main plant. 

Dig on one side of the bamboo plant to expose the clumped roots.

Then, separate the plants, this is called clump base separation.

• To uproot the whole plant, dig around the plant, exposing the clump roots.
• Pull the whole bamboo plant out without destroying the roots.
• Remove soil clusters around the roots.
• Use a pair of secateurs to separate the new clump bamboo shoots, and ensure that each cutting has 2 or more culms/stems.
• Cover the parent plant with soil immediately.
• Put the new Clump-forming Bamboo cuttings straight into a pot or container.
• Cover the new plants with nutrient-rich soil and mulch, ready for propagation.

Recommended: The bamboo varieties that grow well in the UK. Find out.

How to separate clump-forming bamboo from the pot?

Separating potted bamboo plants is the best way to get lots of plants. Be careful, you can lose the whole plant. Here is how to do it well.

• Immerse the pot in water for 10 minutes.
• Put the whole plant gently out of the pot.
• Use a handsaw (or electric saw) to separate the plant in half.
• Dip each section back into the water before planting in the garden or in pots.

5 factors affect the growth of new bamboo plants

Propagating bamboo plants required care and maintenance. Consider the 5 factors when attempting to propagate new clump-forming bamboo plants.

1. Where to plant new bamboo plants

The two bamboo plant varieties in UK gardens are tough plants. They can adapt to the four seasons. 

Grow new bamboo plants in locations where there is a good amount of sunlight and away from the wind.

If you are growing bamboo in pots and containers, moved around when they need sunlight and away from hazards.

2. Choosing a clumping bamboo

Clump-rooted bamboo plants are suitable for pots and containers. 

They are shade-loving plants, great for borders, hedges, screens and small gardens, 

Read about the features and cost of the two bamboo varieties and 13 types of bamboo grown in the UK.

3. Soil for growing bamboo cuttings

Bamboos are tough plants. They can endure poor soils, but it is better to grow the new cuttings in nutrient-rich soil topped with mulch. 

If you’re propagating clumpers in a container, use potting mix or well-sieved soils and fine sand.

4. Early-stage care for your bamboo cuttings

The new bamboo cuttings will need the right amount of water and attention in Spring as the roots start to develop and the leaves come out. 

Pay extra attention when planting the bamboo cuttings in late Spring or early Summer.

Mulching is highly recommended as it will help to retain water in soil or pots and containers ( where the cuttings are planted).

5. Monitoring the growth of your bamboo cuttings

While the bamboo cuttings are growing, you should regularly check them for any signs of wilting, bug infestation, weeds, and lack of sunlight.

Taking good care of the new bamboo cuttings/plants will give you a 100% success rate.

Top tips for propagating bamboo cuttings

Here are the key points for propagating clump-forming bamboo plants.

• New plants need attention.
• Water generously to keep the soil moist.
• Clump-forming Bamboo plants are ideal for indoors and keep them in pots and containers.
• Propagate cuttings in late summer or early spring.
• Use nutrient-rich soil and mulch to propagate cuttings.
• New plants need constant attention. Water generously, keep the soil moist.

This page contains articles on how to propagate healthy bamboo plants - check out the archive for more info.

Important checks

The new cuttings will require care and attention when you see the signs of new leaves. 

So, check for the following.

• The soil remains moist, but not waterlogged. (Read about the best soil for propagating bamboo)
• Check for unusual paleness on the culm and leaves, as any change in colour will reveal the condition of the cuttings.
• Move the new plants to a safer location IF the temperature drops or rises dramatically.
• Do not place them under big trees, when placing the cuttings in shades, as the falling branches will ruin your hard work.

Enjoy the growth and development of your new bamboo plants because they are amazing plants. Incredible!

Check out this article on Bamboo Plants that Thrive in UK Gardens, it is an insightful take on how to identify and grow new bamboo plants.

Steps for growing bamboo plants from stem cuttings

Bamboo plants can grow from stem cuttings, but it is not as effective as growing bamboo from base separation and rhizome cuttings. It will also take a long time to germinate.

Follow the steps below for successful propagation by stem cuttings.

 

This page contains articles on how to propagate healthy bamboo plants - check out the archive for more info.

Use candle wax 

Step 1: Cut some cuttings from a three or four-year-old bamboo plant at 45 degrees angle. 

Each cutting must have at least two nodes and one internode. 

Cover the ends of the bamboo cuttings with wax to save them from rotting or drying.

Use rooting hormone

Step 2: Dip the bamboo cuttings in rooting hormone and ensure that the fresh cuts are covered with the hormone before shaking the excess off.

Use good soil!

Step 3: Fill large a pot or container with potting mix or loam soil (mixture of equal parts sand, silt and clay). Make several holes in the soil and plant the culm cuttings.

Depending on the number of cuttings, you may need more than one pot. 

Ideally, an 20cm garden pot should hold not more than 6 new culm cuttings.

Water & humidity promote growth

Step 4: Cover the cuttings with a clear plastic bag to keep the soil moist. 

Put the pot of newly planted culm cuttings in a warm area, out of direct sunlight.

Water the cuttings to keep the soil moist as water and humidity promote new growth.

Continue early-stage care

Step 5: When you see new shoots, it means the cuttings are putting out roots and rhizomes in the soil.

Continue to water the cuttings until they are ready to move into new pots or planted straight in the garden.

Here is an in-depth article on how to grow bamboo plants from stem cuttings.

Is Bamboo Fastest Growing Plant?

A garden bamboo shoot can grow up to 10cm on a spring day, and reach its full height in just 4 weeks. By summer, it will put out branches and leaves. This bamboo's growth is complete, but it will remain evergreen for 30 - 60 years.

According to the Guinness World Records, timber bamboo grows up to 91 centimetres (35 inches) per day.

Close to home, at the Kew Garden Palm House, the Giant Timber Bamboo [pictured] grows to 24m in 16 days, as measured. 

That's a whopping 1.5m per day!

This bamboo grows 1.5m/day

When does bamboo grow the fastest?

The new bamboo shoots come out in spring and grow the fastest during the first 3 - 4 weeks. 

In summer, they'll start to branch out and produce leaves.

Also, spring is the ideal time to grow new bamboo plants because they will be active during this time.

When should I grow new bamboo plants?

Understanding how fast bamboo grows and when they grow the fastest is important to growing it.

Growing new bamboo cuttings sufficiently early in Spring. The chance of growth in the roots and shoots is high.

As the roots establish themselves, (and they do that very quickly over Summer), your bamboo cuttings will be ready for planting the following Spring.

Also, spring is the best time to grow any potted bamboo. As mentioned, grow them early so that they have the chance to germinate over the spring and summer months.

Having said that, bamboo is a resilient plant. When you plant it does not really matter. It will remain in the soil until the condition are right for it to sprout.

Check your bamboo plants for growth

Late Spring and early Summers are the best times for checking your bamboo plants. This is also a good time to grow bamboo because the new shoots and rhizomes tips will have been sprouting.

During the rest of the year, the matured bamboo plants, especially the culms and rhizomes, in your garden will remain green and provide covers even through the Winter months. 

They are pretty tolerant of cold and dry soils.

Bamboos are amazing plants, they grow well all year round. 

Their evergreen foliage and tall hardy stems make them ideal plants for privacy screens and ornamental garden centrepieces.

If you are going to grow a bamboo plant, either in pots or in the garden, it is important to know that they grow very quickly. 

The new shoots and rhizomes (roots) can take over the space very quickly if left unchecked. 

We hope this article answers your questions about how to grow our favourite bamboo plant. 

If you have any questions, please leave a comment and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Follow us on Twitter and YouTube for the latest updates.