Bamboo is a versatile plant that can add a touch of nature and serenity to any indoor space. With proper care, several bamboo species can thrive indoors, purifying the air and providing unique visual interest. If you’re looking to add bamboo to your home, here are 12 of the most popular types to consider.
Lucky Bamboo
Lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) is one of the most common types of indoor bamboo. Its slender green stalks with shiny lance-shaped leaves make it perfect for growing in decorative planters and arrangements. Keep lucky bamboo in bright, indirect light and change the water weekly. It can tolerate lower light but may lose some coloration.
Fernleaf Bamboo
Fernleaf bamboo (Pleioblastus viridistriatus) is a compact clumping bamboo with delicate, fern-like leaves. It grows just 3-5 feet tall and does well in containers. Provide bright light and keep the soil consistently moist. Mist regularly to boost humidity. Prune old stems annually to maintain its neat shape.
Dwarf Fernleaf Bamboo
Dwarf fernleaf bamboo (Pleioblastus pygmaeus) looks similar to regular fernleaf bamboo but only reaches 1-3 feet tall. It’s ideal for smaller indoor spaces like tabletops and shelves. Give it the same care as fernleaf bamboo, providing ample moisture and humidity.
Black Bamboo
Black bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra) has striking nearly-black stems that contrast nicely with bright green leaves. It can reach 30 feet outdoors but can be maintained much smaller indoors with regular pruning. Give it very bright light to keep stems dark.
Golden Bamboo
Golden bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea) adds a pop of color with its green canes striped in yellow or orange. The stems may be less vibrant indoors, so provide as much light as possible It also needs more space than other indoor bamboos, growing quite large if left unpruned
Umbrella Bamboo
Umbrella bamboo (Fargesia robusta) is a clumping type that grows 8-15 feet tall Its elegant arching stems give it a distinctive umbrella shape Keep it in a bright location and water regularly. Prune old stems to the ground annually to control size and maintain shape.
Chinese Bamboo
Chinese bamboo (Dracaena braunii) has long, thin stalks topped with tufts of narrow leaves. It’s not a true bamboo but is commonly used in bamboo-themed displays. Chinese bamboo tolerates low light well, only needing moderate sunlight. Let the soil dry out some between waterings.
Heavenly Bamboo
Despite its name, heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica) isn’t actually a bamboo at all It’s a flowering shrub with leaves resembling bamboo. The newer foliage is reddish in color, adding interest It tolerates lower light but needs bright light to thrive. Keep the soil moderately moist.
Arrow Bamboo
Arrow bamboo (Pseudosasa japonica) has tall arching stems that can reach 6-10 feet indoors. The leaves emerge bright red before turning green. It needs a large container and regular pruning to control its size. Give it very bright light near a sunny window and keep the soil consistently moist.
Hedge Bamboo
Hedge bamboo (Hibanobambusa tranquillans) grows in a dense clump to 4 feet tall indoors. The closely spaced canes give it a bushy, shrub-like appearance. The new shoots are tinted red. Site it in bright indirect light and water when the top inch of soil dries out. Apply fertilizer in spring and summer.
Mini Bamboo
Mini or petite bamboo describes any small bamboo species suitable for containers. This includes dwarf fernleaf bamboo as well as other compact varieties like Pleioblastus chino, Pleioblastus distichus, and Sasa palmata. Most mini bamboos reach 1-4 feet tall at maturity. Give them bright light and frequent watering.
Lucky Bamboo
Lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) deserves a second mention for its popularity. It’s easy to shape and style into spirals, braids, and other designs. You can find lucky bamboo in almost any home decor store. Just place the container in medium to low light and change the water weekly.
This covers some of the most common types of bamboo plants for growing indoors. From tabletop specimens like dwarf fernleaf bamboo to small shrub-like varieties such as hedge bamboo, there are diverse options to suit any space. Always make sure to give bamboo adequate sunlight, moisture, and room to grow. With the right care, bamboo can lend a serene, natural feel to any indoor environment.
BEST BAMBOO PLANTS FOR HOME
FAQ
How do I know which type of bamboo I have?
Many species of bamboo can be identified by color, size, growing location and/or unique marking. However, most all bamboo species have unique shoots when they emerge in the spring. For those less common with bamboo, please click diagrams for more information.
What is the downside of bamboo plants?
Bamboo is highly vulnerable to moisture and in permanent contact with soil moisture (or in contact with the outdoors and rainfall) it can rot and tends to increase pest attack. For this reason, it must be protected and properly cured to prevent it.
How do you take care of a bamboo plant indoors?
Bright, Indirect Light: Bamboo prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while too little light can stunt its growth. Consistent Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water your bamboo when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Where is the best place to put a bamboo plant in your house?
Placing it near the entrance of the house will attract positive energy. If you place it in the south-east zone of your house, it can help attract wealth and fight financial issues. If you’re placing a bamboo plant in the study or an office, the northeast zone is ideal.