How to Care for Indoor Yin and Yang Bamboo Plants

Place the yin and yang bamboo in a large room with a ceiling that's high enough to accept the continual upward growing culms. Although tolerant of bright, indirect light, the more direct sunlight the bamboo receives indoors, the more vibrant and healthy it grows. At least six hours of sunlight is a good threshold to meet. Turn the container 90 degrees every month to diminish any leaning growth or uneven foliage distribution.

Install a portable humidifier in the room where the bamboo plant grows. High ambient humidity keeps the bamboo's leaves healthy, preventing brown edges or premature leaf drop. The more healthy green leaves the plant has, the better its food production from photosynthesis. Alternatively, place the bamboo's container atop a large tray basin filled with small stones. Keep the tray constantly filled with water to evaporate and elevate room humidity around the bamboo.

Water the soil to keep it evenly moist from spring to fall, when the plant is most actively growing and natural light intensity is strongest. From fall to spring, allow the soil to become slightly drier, as this creates a beneficial semi-dormancy without promoting wet roots that may rot. Avoid using softened water, as it is rich in salts that can lead to root damage and premature yellowing or browning of leaf edges.

Fertilize the yin and yang bamboo in mid-spring through late summer using a water-soluble liquid fertilizer, such as 10-5-5 with micronutrients. Follow product label directions for dosages and frequency of applications. Do not fertilize from fall to early spring.

Cut off any overly tall culms on the bamboo with hand pruners or a pruning saw as needed. Keep the containerized plant looking balanced and within bounds in the room. Bamboo culms only elongate from their tips. Once you cut off the culm, no more vertical growth occurs. New culms emerge from the soil in spring or summer.

Relocate the bamboo outdoors in late spring to rejuvenate the vigor and health of the yin and yang bamboo plant. While it's not necessary, moving the plant outdoors to a partially shaded and wind-protected garden spot increases its exposure to light and humidity to increase growth and improve its appearance. This outdoor respite should last anywhere from eight to 12 weeks. Bring the plant back indoors to its usual spot by early to mid-fall, before outdoor frost is expected.

Repot the bamboo every 12 to 24 months when it is moved outdoors in the summer. Lay the plant down on its side, slide the old container off the root ball and use a new container that is 3 to 6 inches wider in diameter to repot the plant in. With multiple people present, lift the root ball up carefully to insert it into the new pot. Use fresh potting soil as you fill in the area around the root ball in the slightly larger, new container. Tamp the soil down well and water it to remove air pockets.