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Bamboo like moist but not wet soils. Constantly soggy soil will lead to root root rot, which is the most prevalent killer of Bamboo in containers, and in the ground. The soil mix should hold water evenly throughout the container and allow for good drainage. Nutrient Retention.
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Grow bamboo in pots indoors or outside to add a lush, vertical element to any space. This hardy member of the grass family doesn't need a lot of maintenance, but occasional repotting is necessary. As bamboo grows, it will outgrow the container it is in, eventually splitting plastic and ceramic pots.
When to Repot
Repot bamboo every three to five years. Bamboo species grow at different rates, so how frequently you have to repot will vary. As the roots grow and fill the pot, they become root bound and eventually break the pot. Check to see if your bamboo is getting root bound. Slide your bamboo out of the pot, if the roots are circling the bottom of the pot, it's time to divide the bamboo or go up a pot size.
Dividing Bamboo
Keep bamboo in the same pot by dividing the plant every three to five years. Slide the plant out of the pot and cut the root ball in half. Use a sharp shovel or strong shears to cut through the roots. Bamboo grows vigorously so you don't have to worry too much about damaging the plant. Just be careful not to break the stalks as it will look damaged until new shoots grow in. Replant half the bamboo in the same pot and put the other half in a new pot.
Repotting Bamboo
When bamboo outgrows its container, give it more room by repotting in a larger pot. Put a layer of potting soil in the bottom of the new pot. Pull the bamboo out of the old pot by laying it on its side and gently wiggling it free. Place the root ball on the soil in the new pot with the base of the bamboo stalks level with the rim. Add soil to fill the pot up to the base of the stems.
Pots and After Care
Select pots that have drainage holes in the bottom to prevent water from building up around the roots. Look for pots that are wider than tall. Bamboo is a tall, top-heavy plant and a wide container will help prevent it from tipping over in the wind. After dividing or repotting a bamboo, soak the pot thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes in the bottom. Add more soil when necessary.
Clumping or Running Bamboo
Bamboo comes in two varieties: clumping and running. Clumping bamboo retains a tight root ball but does spread gradually. Running bamboo sends out vigorous shoots that run under the soil and start a new plant. You can grow either clumping or running bamboo in pots but running bamboo will outgrow the containers faster requiring more frequent repotting. Clumping bamboo requires repotting too, it's just not as demanding or vigorous as running bamboo.
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About the Author
Eulalia Palomo has been a professional writer since 2009. Prior to taking up writing full time she has worked as a landscape artist and organic gardener. Palomo holds a Bachelor of Arts in liberal studies from Boston University. She travels widely and has spent over six years living abroad.
Cite this Article Choose Citation Style
Palomo, Eulalia. 'What to Do When Bamboo Overgrows a Pot?' Home Guides | SF Gate, http://homeguides.sfgate.com/bamboo-overgrows-pot-40503.html. Accessed 30 November 2019.
Palomo, Eulalia. (n.d.). What to Do When Bamboo Overgrows a Pot? Home Guides | SF Gate. Retrieved from http://homeguides.sfgate.com/bamboo-overgrows-pot-40503.html
Palomo, Eulalia. 'What to Do When Bamboo Overgrows a Pot?' accessed November 30, 2019. http://homeguides.sfgate.com/bamboo-overgrows-pot-40503.html
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