Posted by Brent Wilson on 11/14/2016 to Container Gardening
Almost any bamboo can be grown indoors given sufficient attention and care. Adequate light, humidity, moving fresh air and fertilization are very important. In less than ideal indoor conditions, when the weather is mild rotating plants from indoors to outdoors might be necessary for long-term health.
Though we cannot guarantee success when growing bamboo in indoor environments, if the guidelines below are followed the odds for success are greatly increased.
Bamboo plants need high ambient moisture levels. Since most indoor environments are low-humidity compared to outdoors, we suggest misting plants to compensate. This is especially true during the winter months when heating systems are in use and dry the air. Placing a humidifier or fountain near your plants can be beneficial. Also keep your plants away from heater vents and drafts.
While some bamboo species prefer or will tolerate a shadier environment, most species growing indoors will grow and do their best in all-day bright indirect natural light, and will also appreciate a few hours of direct sun. The less light there is the slower growth will be. Under the Description tab on every bamboo page in WilsonBrosGardens.com you will find species-specific sun preferences.
When a bamboo plant is moved from an outdoor to indoor environment mild to severe leaf drop can occur as the plant adjusts to lower light conditions and ambient moisture. When this happens the plant will often flush new leaves that are more acclimated to the indoor conditions.
When growing bamboo plants in containers indoors, in order to provide excellent drainage and to hold moisture evenly from top to bottom of the pot, which prevents root rot and helps the soil to retain nutrients applied while facilitating the roots ability to absorb them and distribute these to all parts of the tree, we suggest a light potting mixture consisting of 1/3 bagged potting soil, 1/3 peat moss, and 1/3 agricultural pumice. Pumice is a soil conditioner that provides excellent water, air, and nutrient holding capabilities. Pumice will not decompose or compact over time and is very lightweight. Agricultural grade pumice can usually be found at local feed stores as a product called Dry Stall. The particle size is about 1/8". It's a good idea to wash the product before use to remove the fine particles. If you can't find Pumice you can substitute with perlite.
Before filling your container with the soil mix make sure it has a drainage hole(s) at the bottom. We suggest lining the interior bottom of the pot with a porous landscape fabric/weed barrier cloth. This will keep the drain holes from becoming stopped up with soil. If you place a layer of gravel in the bottom of your pot, which we strongly advise so that you can set the pot in a saucer, lay the fabric over it. Without the layer of gravel in the bottom of the pot, the pot must be raised up to keep it out of the water that collects in the saucer.
As with most other potted plants, you'll need to pay closer attention to soil moisture and watering. Most bamboo species prefer a moist but well draining soil. Provide only enough water to maintain these conditions. Constantly soggy and wet soil is a killer. Allow the top 2 to 3 inches of soil to dry befroe providing more water. Below that depth the soil should be lightly moist around the roots at all times.
Bamboo growing indoors will appreciate air movement, preferably air from outdoors...though, as mentioned, avoid placing plants near heating vents and registers. Leaving a window partially open near plants is beneficial.
To feed indoor bamboo we suggest a well-balanced, slow-release fertilizer such as Osmocote 14-14-14. Whichever fertilizer you use should be listed for use on plants growing in containers. When applying a fertilizer, always follow instructions on the product label.
Other Helpful Tips
Yellowing leaves on indoor bamboo usually indicates either too little or too much water. If there is too much water and the roots are rotting, the leaves may look pale and droopy. Too little water may cause leaves to have brown tips, curl up, look dry and yellow, and begin to drop. The roots may have dried out just once or are root-bound and not absorbing water well. When under- or over-watering is corrected quickly, the plant will often re-leaf in a month or two and be healthy.
Frequently check soil moisture to a depth of 3 to 4 inches and water as needed to maintain a moist soil, but not constantly soggy, which can be a killer!Dig down 3-4 inches
Root-bound plants may be placed in a large saucer of water for a half-hour or so to soak up water from the bottom.
Indoor bamboo can attract insect pests. Regularly inspect leaves, including the undersides, and spray an insecticide listed for indoor use if necessary. Alternatively, insects can be picked off or plants can be taken outside and washed or sprayed with a stream of water from the garden hose to naturally remove insect pests.
Hope this information is helpful. Plant Long & Prosper!
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