Every year, an estimated 15 million new bamboo plants are planted in Australia alone, yet many of these plants fail to take root and grow as they should. The good news is that there are several things you can do to help your bamboo plant become healthy and establish itself quickly in the ground.
Bamboo plants are one of the most versatile plants in the plant kingdom, being used in everything from construction to flooring. However, if you’re wanting to plant bamboo to enjoy its beauty and cool shade, you’ll need to know how to properly plant it in the ground. This will ensure that your bamboo takes root and grows into an impressive specimen, giving you years of enjoyment from this time-tested houseplant.
There are two ways to plant bamboo plants, directly in the ground or in containers. The way you choose to plant your bamboo will depend on the type of bamboo, your budget and the amount of time you want to put into it. The hardy types of bamboo can easily be planted directly in the ground, while the more delicate varieties do better when planted in pots so they can be moved around easier. Here are three tips that will help you whether you’re planting directly in the ground or in pots.
1) Prepare the soil
Now that the bamboo plants have been potted, it's time to prepare the ground where they will be planted. This is an important step in the planting process because improperly preparing the soil can lead to root rot and other issues.
Start by digging a hole six inches deep and wide enough for the new plant. Add some organic matter such as compost or shredded leaves to create a nutrient-rich environment for your bamboo plant. Fill the hole with water and let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow any air bubbles to escape before filling with dirt. Remove excess dirt from around the base of the plant (any roots sticking out should not be covered). Use a trowel or hoe to create an extra level of protection around the base of the bamboo plant when you fill in with dirt.
2) Choose the right bamboo plant
The first step to planting Gracilis Bamboo in your yard is choosing the right type of bamboo plant. There are many varieties of bamboo plants, with three main categories: running, clumping and mixed. Running varieties are the fastest-growing, while clumping types spread more slowly but produce thicker canes. Mixed types are a mixture of both running and clumping varieties that grow at different speeds.
The second step is choosing the right place for your bamboo plants to grow in the ground. You should find an area where there will be lots of sun and not too much competition from other plants or trees for water and nutrients. Avoid planting them near sidewalks or driveways, as they may interfere with traffic flow or cause tripping hazards.
3) Plant the bamboo
Take the bamboo out of its container and place it in a hole where you want it to grow. Fill the hole with water so that the bamboo is soaked for about 20 minutes before planting. This will ensure that the root system will be able to absorb enough water after planting. Next, pack soil tightly around the bottom of the stalk. Water well, again filling up the hole and let it drain. Add more dirt as needed to cover your new plant. And finally, mulch over top of your newly planted bamboo to keep weeds away while protecting moisture levels in your soil.
To keep pests at bay, we recommend using netting or screening on your plants to prevent infestations by hungry rabbits. Finally, watch the plant closely over the next few weeks until new growth emerges which indicates that it's safe to remove netting or screening.