Before receiving your bamboo you should have picked out a
place to plant. Most of the larger bamboos will need at least
a few hours of direct sun or filtered sun all day. They may
grow in areas without much sun but will be much slower growing
and will be spread out quite a bit. If you can plant the bamboo
near water it will be happiest. This does not mean the bamboo
should be planted in a wet area. Most bamboos do not like
wet roots. If you are in a colder climate and trying a bamboo
that is borderline hardy to your zone, then try to pick a
well protected area. On the south side of a wall or building
is an idal spot. Anything to help block the north wind will
help. Of coure you should plan on mulching heavily.
you receive a new order of bamboo try to plant as soon as
possible. If you are unable to plant as soon as it arrives,
cut a slit in the plastic and paper surrounding the rootball
and add some water, a cup or so. Place the plants in a shaded
area until you can plant it. It's not a bad idea to mist the
leaves a few time during the day. When ready to plant, dig
a hole just a little larger than the rootball and place the
plant so that the top of the rootball is even with the top
of the hole (groundlevel).Some nurseries suggest digging a
hole much larger than the rootball. This is not necessary.
A better method is to take a pick and break up the sides of
the hole allowing openings for the roots or rhizomes to spread
out. Backfill with the soil removed from the hole or any good
top soil. Water thoroughly after backfilling. I like to leave
a dish shaped depression around the plant to make watering
easier. I also like to mulch with leaves or straw in order
to keep the plant from drying out. It is very important to
keep the plant watered for the first few weeks but don't over
do it! More plants have been harmed or killed from over watering
than from underwatering. Let the ground dry out a little between
waterings. You may need to water regularly the first year,
depending on your climate and soil, and how much sun or wind
exposure the plant receives. After the bamboo has been in
the ground for a few months you will rarely need to water
except during drought conditions. However, providing plenty
of water wil help speed up the growth of your bamboo.
spring use a general purpose fertilizer (after plant is
well established) such as 8-8-8 or 10-10-10. Even better
is a layer of rotted manure. I have used both with good
results. Leaf or hay mulch will both protect the plant from
the cold and from drying out. This will also keep weeds
under control and help enrich the soil as it decomposes.
A healthy, well fed bamboo is the best protection against
pest and disease.
general the hardy bamboos are pretty tough and will grow
in most soils and locations. Most prefer a good bit of sun
but several will grow in almost total shade. For my larger
bamboos I try to pick a location where they will get lots
of sun but I've planted a few in much more shaded areas.
Those in the shade grow slower and seem to spread out more
between culms. The ideal location would be lots of sun,
beside water. (Creek, pond, lake.) Bamboos like water but
don't like to get their feet wet. Most won't survive if
planted in an area that stays wet most of the time.(Although
they will thrive next to such an area.) Many of the smaller
bamboos grow well in a partially shaded area but some prefer
full sun. If I have the choice I try to plant where they
will receive morning sun but be protected from evening sun.
My bamboos also thrive on hill sides as well as valleys
and level ground.
you plan to grow your bamboo indoors keep in mind that it
prefers the higher ambient moisture levels found outdoors.
It's a good idea to mist the leaves of indoor bamboo and
place in an area that gets lots of light. We often get request
for bamboo to grow indoors. In response to this we have
page offering suggestions on species and detailed information
on growing bamboo indoors. If you still have questons, email
me and I'll be glad to make some suggestions.
On a final note, I just want to remind you that how fast
your bamboo grows and spreads depends a great deal on you.
If you will fertilize regularly, water during dry spells,
and mulch heavily all year, you will be rewarded with much
faster growth and healthier plants.