How to Grow Calcutta Bamboo

Seed Planting and Care

• 1

  Prepare soil in a location that receives mostly full sun, with some light partial shade. Soil should be neutral, with sand mixed in for best results, although soil type is not particularly important to this plant. Most importantly, the soil should be rich and well-draining.

• 2

  Soak seeds in cold water for one to two days.

• 3

  Sow seeds 9 inches apart in soil when the soil temperature is about 86 F for best results. This bamboo grows best when somewhat crowded. Germination usually occurs in seven to 17 days, but may take as long as a few months.

• 4

  Water deeply and regularly, about once a week to keep soil evenly moist, but do not over water. This bamboo has average water needs and is somewhat drought-resistant. Avoid waterlogged soil. Protect the area from temperatures below 26 F, as this can kill the bamboo.

• 5

  Transplant seedlings when they are 1 to 2 years old if needed. Avoid exposing roots to air or damaging rhizome buds of the plant. Place container-grown plants in cooler locations to restrict the plant's height. If planted directly in soil, the bamboo will grow much taller.

• 6

  Apply a bamboo fertilizer if you want to improve growth rate and overall mass of the bamboo during its growing season (June to August). A high phosphorus application is best for bamboo.

Taking Cuttings

• 7

  Cut a 1-year-old culm (bamboo stem) with a knife at an angle, about 35 to 47 inches from the ground. Cuttings will be large, as this bamboo grows quickly.

• 8

  Remove the culm from the soil carefully, keeping its rhizome root system intact. The rhizomes contain buds – the rounded, bulging parts of the root system, some of which develop into new culms. These buds will swell up, particularly after the rainy season. Try to include one of them when planting the roots.

• 9

  Dip roots in rooting hormone.

• 10

  Place cutting in a prepared soil bed or container with well-draining soil mix and provide even moisture until established.