How to Repot a Bamboo Plant

Bamboo is a fast growing plant that can quickly overstay its welcome when planted in the outdoor landscape. Because of its tendency to spread rapidly, with little regard for territorial boundaries, some people refrain from planting it in their yards. If you like the look of bamboo, but worry about it overspreading, plant it in a container. Once you notice the soil in the container drying out quicker than normal, simply re-pot the bamboo into a larger container.

Things You'll Need

Container
Water
Organic soil

Larger pot
Fertilizer
Handsaw

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the bamboo plant from its present container and soak it in a container of water for two hours. Soaking will ensure complete hydration before re-potting in a new container.
- 2
  Fill a larger pot with organic potting soil. Organic potting soil is more airy than traditional potting soil, allowing the roots of the bamboo plenty of room for expansion. Make sure that the pot is larger than the root ball. A two to three inch gap between the root ball and the wall of the new pot is preferable.
- 3
  Mix a slow-release fertilizer in with the organic potting soil. The slow-release fertilizer will fortify the soil and nourish the bamboo plant, since potting soils lack some of the minerals found naturally in outdoor soils.
- 4
  Cut off the bottom layer of the bamboo root ball with a handsaw. Remove the lower 10 percent, leaving at least 90 percent of the root ball intact. Removal of the bottom layer of roots will increase vigor and encourage new growth.
- 5
  Dig a hole in the organic soil with your hands and set the bamboo plant in the center. Backfill the hole and pat the soil around the bamboo. Water the soil deeply, allowing the water to flow through the soil and out the drainage holes.
  
  Repeat this process whenever your bamboo plant outgrows its present pot.

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