Question: How Do You Grow Bamboo?
The answer to any "how to grow X" question must address the basics, and it's no different for the question of how to grow bamboo. Master the bare essentials first, concerning:
- Sun (or protection from sun)
- Soil
- Nutrients
- Water
Answer:
On the subject of growing requirements for bamboo, the American Bamboo Society states that "most large bamboos grow quicker and do their best in full sun." However, they are also quick to point out that "Fargesias and most Thamnocalamus are happier with some shade during the hottest part of the day." Take note of that, because later in this FAQ series I will be discussing one of the Fargesias.
Bamboos prefer a soil pH that is slightly acidic (around 6). In terms of soil texture, bamboo plants prefer loam.
To stimulate growth in bamboo plants, apply a fertilizer high in nitrogen.
Bamboo plants like a lot of water, but they also need a well-drained soil. While it is necessary to saturate the the entire planting area when growing running bamboo plants, you can restrict watering for clumping bamboos to the area around the base ("clump") of the plant.
Now you know not only how to contain bamboo plants, but also how to grow them. But for those who live in cold climates, there's another key piece to the puzzle yet to be supplied: growing a bamboo suitable for your climate. Cold-hardy bamboo plants are the subject of the next FAQ....
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