Bamboo Plants 101

Evoking images of Asia, bamboo has long been a symbol of happiness and prosperity. Today, you'll find bamboo plants in homes as a decorative accent and in landscaping as a barrier plant. Some species of these plants are considered to be invasive, while others represent luck and joy. If you're considering adding some bamboo plants to your home or garden, it's important to know how to care for them so they can grow and flourish.

Bamboo enjoys full to partial sunlight, so be sure to plant it in an area where it will get the most sun. These plants can grow in lower light, but they'll grow much greener and fuller in full sun. Small, young plants might need a bit of protection from the heat until they become established. Bamboo also can easily adapt to almost any type of soil, as long as it can drain well.

Water your bamboo plants frequently, providing them with at least one inch of water per week. If you have ample rainfall and your bamboo plants are outdoors, you don't need to water them, but you should add a layer of mulch around your bamboo to help the soil underneath hold moisture. Aim for around three inches of mulch for the best water retention. You can also give your bamboo plants fertilizer. Organic fertilizer is the best option and will ensure healthy growth.

Some people enjoy keeping bamboo indoors in a container. If you choose to use the plant as a houseplant, be sure that whatever container you use has enough drainage holes. Potted bamboo will also need more water than outside plants, so water them frequently. If you keep your bamboo in a pot outside, bring it indoors during the cold months. Alternatively, you can insulate your pots using mulch, or you may wrap them using burlap, which is an excellent insulator.

With the right conditions and proper care, bamboo can thrive and grow in a wide variety of locations. Learn more about bamboo and how to care for it by using the following resources:

• Clumping Bamboo: Discover more about this specific type of bamboo that grows tall and is often used in landscaping.
• Growing Bamboo: Learn about growing and caring for bamboo on this page that includes some interesting facts about the plant.
• Bamboo Facts: This site contains quick, informative facts about bamboo to help you plan your garden.
• Bamboo: Graceful Grass or Jungle Giant: This article discusses the many nuances of bamboo as well as how to care for it.
• Care and Feeding of Bamboo: If you'd like to grow your own bamboo, this page can provide you with some helpful information on care and feeding.
• About Bamboo in China: Visit this page to learn about how bamboo is grown in China and the role it plays in culture.
• Bamboo Fact Sheet: Use this document to help you identify and understand the inner workings of the bamboo plant.
• How to Stop a Bamboo Invasion: Some consider bamboo to be invasive, and this page talks about the root systems of plants and how to keep them from invading your property or garden.
• There's Much Ado About Bamboo: Learn about the role bamboo plays in feeding gorillas, monkeys, and people on this page.
• Bamboo: Africa's Untapped Potential: This article discusses how bamboo can help the people of Africa earn an income and build their homes.
• How Pandas Survive on a Bamboo-Only Diet: Bamboo is the panda's favorite food, and this page explains how they survive by eating bamboo alone, examining the nutritional content of these plants.
• Five Benefits of Building a Home With Bamboo: More than just a decorative plant, bamboo is quickly becoming a popular building material.
• Bamboo Species: This page lists the many species of bamboo, from clumping and running to rare and dwarf styles.
• Identifying Bamboo: Click this link for informative graphics to help you identify bamboo plants.
• Ten Different Types of Bamboo: Colorful photos can help you identify and decide among 10 different types of bamboo.
• America's Native Bamboo: Did you know America has its own native bamboo? Click this link to find out more.
• Bamboo: This page explains more about the characteristics, cultivation, and uses of bamboo.
• Growing Bamboo Inside: Use this guide to help you grow your own bamboo indoors.
• Bamboo Care Information: Explore the many aspects of bamboo care, watering, and feeding here.
• How to Care for Bamboo Plants: Use this resource to help you learn how to properly care for your bamboo plants.
• Let Your Bamboo Garden Grow: If you're interested in growing a bamboo garden, read this article for some helpful information.
• Plants: Visit this website to learn all you need to know about a wide variety of plants.
• Bamboo, a Very Trendy Plant: This site features a comprehensive guide to help you grow healthy bamboo plants at home.