Giant Timber Bamboo Care

Soil Conditions

• Giant bamboo thrives in rich, deep soils that contain organic materials. Planting these giant grasses in sunny sites encourages optimal growth. Incorporating equal amounts of vegetative compost, such as mown grass, and peat moss into the existing soil will enhance both the porosity and nutritional health of the soil. Mulching the soil with a layer of straw or leaves helps to hold in the moisture and gradually adds nutrients as it breaks down into the underlying soil.

Water

• Like other types of grass, new bamboo plants require more water than established plants. Potted plants that grow in 5-gallon pots need about 1/2 gallon of water twice each week. Plants growing in the soil need enough to keep their roots slightly moist during the first few weeks of growth. Giant bamboos may drop their leaves from too much moisture around their roots, while dehydration normally shows up in the form of slow growth and dryness near the tips of the leaves.

Fertilizer

• Regular applications of fertilizer can help guard against nutritional deficiencies as these giant bamboos grow and mature. A typical lawn fertilizer that contains a high ratio of nitrogen, such as 21-5-6, will help encourage optimal foliar growth and enhance the green color in bamboo grown for timber purposes. Monthly feedings during the active growing season provides the necessary nutrients for strong growth and development.

Control

• Like smaller bamboo plants, the giant bamboos tend to spread and take over the landscape. Growing these plants in sturdy pots is one way to limit their invasive nature. Small pots can bind the roots and lead to poor growth, however. Placing a 2- to 3-foot root barrier between the planting site and the surrounding landscape provides a means of control that keeps the culms and underground roots from moving into other areas. Occasional root division and root pruning also helps prevent the unwanted spread of giant bamboo while providing new starts for additional plants.