HOW TO GROW BAMBOO IN POTS

Bamboo - https://www.pinterest.com/pin/393220611186160178/

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Bamboo are undoubtedly one of the most majestic of all ornamental foliage plants. However give them overly favorable conditions and they can quickly become an invasive pest and extremely difficult to eradicate. There is a solution. Rather than risk a lifetime of removing thumb-thick culms from your lawn, paths and herbaceous borders consider confining the root ball and growing your bamboo in a container.

Be aware though that bamboos are vigorous plants and will become root-bound over time. This will lead to weak growth, and sparse and discolored foliage due to nutrient deficiencies. This is resolved by either potting on into a larger pot or removing the bamboo to divide the root-stock and then replant one of the smaller sections back into its original pot. Pots with a body wider than its neck are unsuitable as you will not be able to remove pot bound root ball without breaking the pot.

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While large growing species aren't really suitable for growing in pots in the long term, smaller bamboos will make ideal container plants. You will need as large a pot as you can comfortably manipulate though they should be at least 18 inches across and deep, and preferably glazed clay. Terracotta will increase the rate at which the compost dry out and plastic pots will eventually buckle and misshapen. When potting up bamboo use a good quality soil based compost such as John Innes No 3. The ruscus-leaved bamboo - Shibataea kumasaca, will require an ericaceous potting compost

Bamboo are greedy feeders and during the summer will easily transpire huge amounts of water. With this in mind add controlled-release fertilizer pellets and water-retaining gel in the compost before planting. Water frequently over the growing period and feed with a liquid soluble fertilizer. During the height of the summer you may need to water daily. Avoid exposed, windy positions as this will lead to greater water loss as well as risking the bamboo from blowing over which can cause damage to itself and other plants, as well as break the pot.

Reduce watering over the winter period but make sure the compost is kept at least moist. If the compost is allowed to dry out your bamboo can become stressed and drop its foliage.There is no need to feeding in the winter.

In very cold weather, the roots can become damaged by freezing temperatures so either move the pot to a frost free position or insulate the containers with bubble wrap.

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