How To Take Care For Bamboo Plant | Our Secrets Growing Tips & Facts
Introduction
Bamboos are very popular in every country of the world. You will be surprised to know that bamboos are not trees; actually, they are a type of grass. Bamboo plants grow faster than any other plant on the planet. They can grow everywhere and thrive in any climate. As they are superior air purifiers, you should plant them in your yard or garden areas to keep your air clean and purified.
Categories of Bamboo Plants
Different categories make bamboo suitable for various applications. Based on their categories, they are used in construction and ornamental gardening. Their unique features cater to specific environmental conditions and uses.
There are various types of bamboo in the world. Here you will learn about some types of bamboos in detail:
Based on Growth Habit: Based on their growth habit, they are divided into two types, namely Clumping Bamboos (Sympodial) and Running Bamboos (Monopodial). Clumping bamboos grow in tight clusters. These types of bamboos spread very slowly. For example, Fargesia murielae (Hardy bamboo) and Bambusa vulgaris (Common bamboo) are names of clumping bamboos. On the other hand, running bamboos spread rapidly through underground rhizomes. Phyllostachys edulis (Moso bamboo) and Phyllostachys nigra (Black bamboo) are names of running bamboos.
Based on Size: Based on bamboo size, there are three types of bamboos: Giant Bamboos, Medium Bamboos, and Dwarf Bamboos. Dendrocalamus giganteus is a famous type of giant bamboo. They can grow over 30 meters tall with large diameters. Bamboos that are typically between 5-15 meters tall are called medium bamboos. Bambusa balcooa (Balcooa bamboo) is a type of medium bamboo. Dwarf Bamboos can be less than 1 meter tall. They are often used in landscaping. For example, Pleioblastus pygmaeus (Dwarf bamboo) is one of them.
Based on Uses: Based on uses, there are three types of bamboos: Timber Bamboos, Ornamental Bamboos, and Edible Bamboos. Phyllostachys bambusoides (Japanese timber bamboo) is a kind of timber bamboo. They are strong and durable. Timber bamboos are usually used for construction and furniture. Another type is Ornamental Bamboos. Fargesia rufa (Red margin bamboo) is one of them. They have very attractive foliage and form. Mostly, they are used for landscaping. Edible Bamboos produce edible shoots and are usually used in culinary dishes. Phyllostachys edulis (Moso bamboo shoots) is a kind of garden edible bamboo.
Based on Climate Adaptation: Based on climate adaptation, Tropical Bamboos and Temperate Bamboos are examples. Tropical bamboos can thrive in warm and humid environments. Dendrocalamus asper (Tropical giant bamboo) is one of the tropical bamboos. Temperate bamboos are also known for their adaptation to cooler climates. For example, Phyllostachys aureosulcata (Yellow groove bamboo) is one of them.
Care of Bamboo Plants
SUNLIGHT: Full sun is best for bamboos. At least 4 hours of sunlight is needed for a healthy bamboo plant. Most of them grow very fast. If your garden does not have enough sunlight, the number of shoots per year will not be high enough.
WATERING: If you are a beginner and you are planting bamboo for the first time, you have to water them every day according to instructions. When you first plant your bamboo, ensure regular watering for at least a month. You should soak it with a hose if your irrigation system only hits the area every other day or less often. You may wonder when you should water bamboo more! If you see the bamboo leaves start to curl, then understand that they need more water. This is the most common problem among all beginners. But be careful: the soil should not be waterlogged, and you have to make sure it gets off to a good start with a bit of early watering diligence.
DRAINAGE: Drainage is very important for your bamboo plant. Muck or boggy conditions are not good for bamboo plants, as the rhizome and root system can’t survive in such situations. A small berm can be created, and you can plant in this berm so that excess water can drain into lower areas. Thus, the soil will not be waterlogged.
FERTILIZING: A timed-release mix can be used as fertilizer in containers as well as for field specimens. You can fertilize new bamboos with a balanced lawn or palm fertilizer. Use higher nitrogen formulas after the first year. If you live in South Florida, the soil may be alkaline. For alkaline soil, you can use sulfur/iron mixes (granular or liquid) that work well and show favourable results quickly. You should not use a weed-and-feed lawn fertilizer. Iron supplements are also beneficial as fertilizer for your bamboo plant.
MULCH: To maintain healthy soil and bamboos, compost and mulch are very important. If your mulch is fresh, fertilize it first. You have to feed microorganisms to your mulch as well as to your bamboos. Microorganisms that break down the mulch will rob the nitrogen from the soil, which helps you achieve better results.
PRUNING: Pruning means removing some of the original growth. You have to prune your bamboo plant after the second year. Take 1/3 of the culms and cut out the old culms only. You must cut them near the ground, and the tan culms should be removed immediately. If there is no need, you should not cut the newest culms. Use a small hand saw or a reciprocating saw. Thinning the clump each year is good for your bamboo plant. Removing the branches can reveal the canes and create a more open effect. For low-branching species, this technique works like magic.
Pests or Diseases: Pests and diseases can infest or infect your tropical bamboo plants. Some pests, a fungus, and a virus can affect your bamboo’s growth. But don’t be afraid; regular monitoring and proper care can help you deal with pests and diseases.
Let’s learn about some pests and diseases in detail:
Fungal spots: Fungal spots can appear in a circular ring pattern. They usually attack the older culms, especially in humid conditions. A copper-based product labeled for plant fungus problems can be used.
Bamboo Spider Mites: In the USA, spider mites have been more commonly associated for decades. When they attack bamboo plants, the leaves will show irregular yellow spots. The mites pierce and suck out the leaf juices. Some webbing can be seen on the undersides of the leaves. Their activity increases during hot, dry summer months and they become dormant in fall and winter. They can be treated with biological controls like predatory mites, neem oil, or pyrethrins.
Scale: Scale can completely cover culms in a clump, changing their color to brownish-gray. Personal preference is needed for scale, as it affects many Bambusa species due to their glabrous culms. You can remove them physically or treat them systemically. You can blast them off the culms with a pressure washer. Garden center systemic products can also be used.
Bamboo Mealybug: Mealybugs are surrounded by sticky white webbing—almost always on new shoot tips (culm tips or branches). If you see an unusual white substance or small pink bodies in the webbing, you should realize that the bamboo plants are affected by mealybugs. You can use mealybug destroyer to make your bamboo plants mealybug-free.
Benefits of Bamboo
Bamboo plants offer many benefits. They grow quickly, making them a renewable resource. They also have a positive environmental impact. They help to combat climate change as they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen at a higher rate. By reducing erosion, they improve soil health. Their extensive root system also stabilizes the soil. Did you know that bamboo is versatile? You can use it in construction, furniture, textiles, and crafts. As a beginner, you can add bamboo to your garden to enhance its beauty and create a natural feel in your gardens and landscapes. You can grow them with low maintenance, as most species are naturally resistant to pests and diseases.
Conclusion
Bamboo is a practical and eco-friendly option for various applications. It is a great choice for your garden. By following all the instructions and ideas, you can have a beautiful bamboo garden.