Bamboo is a versatile plant, used as food, building matter and ornamentation. From the grass family, bamboo is a relatively easy plant to grow, but if your leaves turn yellow, there are few culprits that could be to blame.
Although bamboo is an evergreen, the leaves may yellow and then drop off in the spring gradually; this is to make way for new leaves and is entirely natural.
If your bamboo is attacked by mites, yellow streaking will occur along the leaves and slowly spread. You can treat this with an organic solution or store-bought pesticide.
Bamboo should be planted in a moderately acidic soil with plenty of organic matter where it will receive 5 or more hours of direct sunlight. New bamboo plants require frequent watering, but don't overwater, as this will cause the leaves to drop.
Bamboo grows naturally in a forest, so a thick layer of mulch over the roots is recommended.
Types of Bamboo
Types and sizes of bamboo vary from timber bamboo, which reaches 30 to 70 feet tall, to small running bamboo, which grows 1 to 8 feet tall.
The biggest problem with running bamboo is its rapid spread. To contain bamboo, install a barrier at the time of planting.
- Bamboo Garden: Care
- American Bamboo Society
bamboo, yellow leaves, plant care
About this Author
Shawna Kennedy has been writing and editing professionally since 2004. She's published numerous articles for Demand Studios and two of her edited manuscripts have been contracted and published by Random House.