Bamboo, with its elegant and serene presence, has long been a favorite in both outdoor gardens and indoor spaces.
Growing bamboo in pots is a fantastic way to bring this touch of natural grace into your home or onto your patio.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about nurturing bamboo in containers.
From selecting the right species to the nuances of care, lets dive into the world of growing bamboo in pots.
Bamboo is a versatile plant that can add unique beauty and style to any indoor or outdoor space when grown in pots With the right container, soil, and care, bamboo thrives and can provide many years of enjoyment Here is a complete guide on how to successfully plant bamboo in a pot.
Choosing the Right Pot
When selecting a container for bamboo, the most important factor is size. The pot must be large enough to accommodate the extensive root system bamboo requires. For most varieties, a 10-gallon pot is the bare minimum, but larger is better. Aim for a 20-30 gallon container to allow 2-3 years of uninterrupted growth before repotting.
Running bamboo varieties spread aggressively, so they often outgrow their pots faster than clumping varieties. For these types, start with at least a 20-gallon pot.
Other considerations when selecting a bamboo pot include
-
Drainage: The container must have adequate drainage holes, at least 1-2 inch wide openings. Adding more holes or a drainage screen can improve drainage.
-
Shape Choose a pot with an opening as wide as the base so the bamboo can be removed without harming the roots or pot Avoid narrow, vase-shaped pots.
-
Weight: Bamboo’s extensive root system makes pots very heavy. Select plastic, resin or fiberglass pots for easier moving. Use bricks or stones to stabilize lightweight pots.
-
Insulation: Double walled plastic and synthetic materials help insulate roots from temperature extremes.
The Right Soil
Bamboo potting soil should:
-
Drain well to prevent soggy, rot-prone conditions.
-
Retain nutrients and moisture.
-
Support root growth with proper aeration and stability.
Avoid garden soils in containers since they compress and hold excess moisture leading to root rot. A good potting mix recipe is:
- 3 parts quality potting soil
- 1 part composted manure
- 1 part pumice or perlite
The pumice or perlite improves drainage while the composted manure provides nutrients.
Planting Steps
Follow these simple steps for planting bamboo in a pot:
-
Line the container’s bottom with landscape fabric to prevent soil from clogging drainage holes.
-
Carefully remove the bamboo plant from its original nursery pot, gently loosening any circling roots.
-
Partially fill the new pot with soil mix, then place the bamboo inside, adjusting soil level so the root ball sits 1-2 inches below the rim.
-
Backfill around root ball with more soil, tamping as you go, until the soil is even with the top of the roots.
-
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, adding more soil if needed after watering to account for settling.
-
Top with mulch or small rocks to help retain moisture and limit weeds.
Caring for Potted Bamboo
To keep your container bamboo thriving:
-
Water when the top few inches of soil become dry. Bamboo prefers consistently moist soil.
-
Fertilize in spring with a balanced organic fertilizer following label directions.
-
Repot bamboo every 2-3 years in early spring, moving to a slightly larger pot.
-
Protect roots from winter cold by moving pots to a sheltered location or wrapping pots with insulation.
With the right pot, soil, and growing conditions bamboo makes a vigorous, fast-growing addition to patios, decks, and gardens. Follow these tips for successfully planting and caring for happy, healthy bamboo in a container.
Considerations for Indoor and Outdoor Growing
Indoor Varieties:
For indoor growing, smaller, less vigorous species like Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana, not a true bamboo) are perfect.
These species adapt well to indoor conditions and require less sunlight.
Here is the Lucky Bamboo I recommend:
Outdoor Varieties:
When selecting bamboo for outdoor pots, consider the climate and available space.
Hardy clumping varieties like Fargesia are excellent for colder climates, while Bambusa and Thamnocalamus are suited for warmer areas.
My Recommended Clumping Bamboo Species:
Fargesia:
Known for its hardiness and suitability for colder climates.
Its perfect for outdoor pots and can also act as a screening plant.
Here is the Faregesia bamboo I recommend:
Bambusa:
A tropical clumping variety, Bambusa is well-suited for larger containers and creates a visually striking presence.
Its ideal for creating a focal point in gardens or patios.
Here is the Bambusa bamboo I recommend:
Thamnocalamus:
This species often features delicate foliage and a more compact growth habit, making it excellent for smaller spaces or indoor pots.
Here is the Thamnocalamus bamboo I recommend:
Running bamboo species are known for their aggressive growth and spreading habit.
They send out long rhizomes that can quickly take over a space.
In pots, they require more diligent control and frequent repotting.
If you opt for running bamboo, choose a large container and be prepared for more maintenance.
Regular root pruning and repotting are essential to prevent the bamboo from becoming root-bound and to control its vigorous growth.
Repotting my Lucky bamboo plants into soil & upgrading them to a larger pot
FAQ
Do you plant bamboo in soil or rocks?
-
Soil:
- Lucky bamboo (also known as Dracaena sanderiana) can thrive in well-drained, rich potting soil, kept moist but not soggy.
- If planting in soil, ensure the soil is well-drained and amend it with compost or other organic matter.
- For best results, transfer lucky bamboo to soil after it develops solid roots from water.
- Bamboo generally grows best in deep, well-drained, fertile soils, and they generally prefer neutral to slightly acid soils.
- Lucky bamboo (also known as Dracaena sanderiana) can thrive in well-drained, rich potting soil, kept moist but not soggy.
-
Water with Rocks:
- Lucky bamboo can also grow successfully in water, with rocks or pebbles used for support and stability.
- Make sure to change the water regularly to prevent algae growth and provide essential nutrients.
- Use filtered or distilled water to avoid chemicals that can harm the plant.
- Some people find growing lucky bamboo in water easier than soil, especially for beginners.
- Lucky bamboo can also grow successfully in water, with rocks or pebbles used for support and stability.
-
Choosing Between Soil and Water:
- While both methods work, soil is generally considered better for long-term health and growth.
- If you’re starting with a plant that was originally grown in water, you can transition it to soil once it has established roots.
- If you prefer growing in water, ensure you provide adequate light and regularly change the water to keep the plant healthy.
- While both methods work, soil is generally considered better for long-term health and growth.
Does bamboo grow well in containers?
Long term care. Bamboo can typically be grown in most containers for 3-7 years, depending upon container, plant(s) selection and growing conditions.
What is the best soil for container bamboo?
Use Well-Draining Soil: Bamboo prefers well-draining soil. A mix designed for houseplants or a combination of potting soil and sand or perlite can work well.
Do bamboo pots like sun or shade?
Most bamboos prefer sun but some species, such as Sasa bamboos, can be grown in shade. Plant your bamboo in spring to encourage it to develop good roots and canes before it becomes dormant in autumn.
How do I choose a container for a bamboo plant?
The most important thing when choosing a container to grow your bamboo plant in is size. Choose a container that will allow the bamboo’s root system to grow for two to three years before moving up in container size or having to remove, divide and replant. The minimum size container for growing most types of bamboo would be 10 gallons in volume.
Can you grow bamboo in pots?
Growing bamboo in pots is possible for both clumping and running bamboo types. Things to consider when choosing a container Size Matters The most important thing when choosing a container to grow your bamboo plant in is size.
How to choose a bamboo pot?
Material: Choose a pot made of minimalist materials like concrete, ceramic, or matte-finished metal. These materials have a clean and simple aesthetic that complements bamboo. Colour: Opt for neutral or earthy tones such as white, grey, black, or natural clay colours. Minimalist designs often feature a limited colour palette.