Bamboo House Plants Are Easy to Grow

Regarded as a symbol of longevity, wisdom and strength by many cultures around the world, bamboo has an appeal few other plants can match. While most people think of bamboo as an outdoor garden plant, it can actually be grown indoors quite easily, lending an exotic look to any décor.

Caring for your bamboo house plant

Like other house plants, bamboos require well-drained and nutrient-rich soil, sufficient light, humidity and fertilizer. Because flowering is rare and sometimes detrimental to a bamboos vitality, the best fertilizer to use is a high-nitrogen, low potash solution such as 30-10-10, although a balanced solution like 16-16-16 is okay. Water-soluble fertilizer is preferred because it reduces the potential for fertilizer burn.

Don’t be afraid to prune your bamboo house plant. It’s tolerant and forgiving, and an occasional manicure is the key to keeping your plant looking its best. Remove ugly or withered culms (the stems) by cutting off at soil level. Control the height of any culm by cutting just above the node, and if the bamboo reaches your ceiling, it won’t suffer from being “topped.”

Potting Tips

Most bamboo house plants grow best in a moderately acidic soil. You can buy potting soil specifically for acid-loving plants (such as azaleas and camellias) or use an all-purpose mix and add some organic material like peat moss.

It's important to choose the proper size pot for your plant. Use a container with adequate room for the soil and the plant's roots, with at least two inches between the container sides and the root ball. Bamboos are fast growers, though, and will eventually need to be "potted up" to a bigger container.

Watering Requirements

Bamboos don't like saturated soil, so be careful not to over-water. Saturated soils leave no room for oxygen, and will cause the roots to rot, eventually killing the plant.