How to grow bamboo in pots

Most species of bamboo can be grown in pots or containers. As with any plant (not just bamboo), they all eventually outgrow their pots and their roots become ‘root bound’. For bamboo, some species grow much more vigoriously than others and therefore will get root bound much quicker.

Bamboo grows best with ample water but the roots must not become soggy and waterlogged. Bamboo grown in pots and containers do not retain moisture as well as bamboos grown in the ground. During summertime, potted bamboo should be watered three to four times a week or roughly every other day.

Removing the top of bamboo will not result in cane regrowth, but rather in new leaves growing from the cut. Therefore, cutting a stand of bamboo down to the ground won’t eradicate it — stalks eventually regrow, but from the base rather than from cut canes.

Container–grown plants, however, typically reach only one-half to three-quarters of their normal size. Running bamboo spreads at a rate of 3 to 5 feet per year. The size of the bamboo directly corresponds to the size of its root ball, so bamboo in small containers will stay smaller.

Bamboos thrive in moist, but well-drained soil in a sheltered, sunny spot. They tolerate most soil types, but some, such as Shibatea, require acid soil or ericaceous potting compost. Bamboo will grow in poor soils, but not in constant wet, boggy or extremely dry conditions.

What is the best choice for growing a large bamboo in a container? Members of the species Phyllostachys aureosulcata are very cold hardy and grow tall and upright in containers, to heights of 15 to 18 feet. Phyllostachys aurea won t get as tall (10 to 15 feet) but it will produce interesting, compact nodes at the base.

Autumn is preferably the most ideal time. Bamboo rhizomes are active during summer to late autumn. Planting in early autumn allows the roots to somewhat spread into the surrounding soil before it becomes dormant during winter.

Easy to grow.

Pros of bamboo include the plant’s easy growth habits. As long as the climate is right, bamboo grows in nearly any type of reasonably fertile well-drained soil. It requires little maintenance and is relatively drought tolerant, although it performs better with regular irrigation.

Don’t let the soil get too dry and don’t overwater since that can lead to root rot. Bamboo does not need much water to survive, but it can be grown in water as well. If you choose to grow your bamboo in water, make sure the roots always stay covered with water.

Some varieties of bamboo can spread up to 30ft. Invasive bamboo is becoming a major problem for British homeowners who may not realise that most species are invasive if left unchecked, with the ‘running’ varieties extending for up to 30ft beneath the ground, say experts.

Back to control in a moment. Right now, we should mention that it is illegal to plant running bamboo in a growing number of municipalities in states like Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Caring for Bamboo Plants

Bamboo plant care after the plants are established is pretty straightforward. Bamboo does best if it gets at least 1 inch (2.5 cm..) of water a week, either from rainfall or manual watering. Water bamboo deeply to encourage deep roots, which will help protect your bamboo from drought.