Bamboos for the Interior   

More and more we are using bamboo plants indoors. Bamboo is very diverse; some species are airy and tall,
others short and striking. The foliage ranges from a bold green to golden variegation. Some can grow in full,
direct light, others in those darkened corners that the sun rarely sees. Bamboo takes a little TLC, but once
you get the knack for growing the plant, it can be the center attraction in your houseplant world. They do present
 some challenges and often need to be rotated outside for a period of time to maintain good health.
See the bottom of this page for interior care information.
 

Bambusa multiplex 'Alphonse Karr' Bambusa multiplex 'Riviereorum' No Picture Bambusa multiplex 'Silverstripe' Bambusa ventricosa Bambusa ventricosa 'Kimmei' Chimonobambusa marmorea 'Variegata' Chimonobambusa quadrangularis 'Suow' Chimonobambusa quadrangularis 'Yellow Groove'

Chusquea delicatula Hibanobambusa tranquillans ‘Shiroshima’   Indocalamus tessellatus   No Picture Otatea accuminata ‘Aztecorum’   Phyllostachys aurea (all forms)   Pleioblastus distichus Pleioblastus fortunei   Pleioblastus pygmaeus

Pleioblastus viridistriatus   Pseudosasa japonica                    Sasaella masamuneana ‘Albostriata’   Sasaella ramosa   Semiarundinaria fastuosa   Semiarundinaria fastuosa ‘Viridis’ Yushania anceps ‘Pitt White’

 Cultural Notes

In general, bamboos are not considered an easy plant to grow indoors. They are more along the lines
of ficus or bromeliads. The most important challenge is humidity, or rather, the lack of it. We suggest the use of a
pebble tray, which is a tray of rocks that is placed under the plant container. This tray must contain a small
amount of water at all times. As the water evaporates it raises the humidity around your plant. Make sure the base
of the container sits on top of the pebbles, and is not submerged in water.

It is important to keep indoor bamboos a little on the dry side, especially during the winter months. Over-watering often
causes root rot, and once root rot has occurred, the plant can rarely be saved. It is easier to remedy plant stress due to
underwatering than to reverse root rot. This does not mean that the plant should be allowed to completely dry out.
Like most interior plants, bamboo will take more water in the summer months and less water in the winter months,
the "resting" period.

Often the best way to revive an unhealthy interior bamboo is to transplant it into a larger container with fresh soil and move it
outdoors into a partially shaded area. If this is done in mid to late spring, by mid summer your bamboo will most likely be
healthy again.

You can feed your indoor bamboo with a well-rounded fertilizer during the spring and summer months. You may want to
use a fertilizer with trace minerals in it, to make sure the bamboo receives all essential minerals.

For narrow window sills, ground cover or bonsai bamboo is ideal, as they can flourish in long narrow troughs.
Examples are Pleioblastus pygmaeus, P. fortunei  and Sasaella ramosa.

Here are some of the bamboos we recommend trying in your home with different light tolerances:

We hope you have fun with growing bamboos indoors.
If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
bamboo@bamboogarden.com
503-647-2700

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