Best soil for growing new bamboo

Although bamboo plants are tolerant to different soil types, the new bamboo plants will need well-drained moist soil to produce new plants.

Improve soil fertility if the soil lacks nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K).

 

Grow bamboo in soil

New bamboo roots and shoots dislike waterlogged pots, soggy soil and dry-compacted soil. 

So, do not use sandy and porous soil because water passes through quickly. 

Also, avoid using hard and compacted soil high in clay when propagating new bamboo plants.

The best soil to grow bamboos in pots and containers is loamy soil topped with a humus-rich layer 5cm– 10cm. A loam soil that contains a mixture of clay is best for new plants.

Check out where to buy potting mixtures, feeds and fertilizers from top UK suppliers.

How to prepare loam soil

Humus and loamy soil are best for growing bamboo plants in pots. The mixture of clay, sand and silt creates the right condition for retaining moisture without waterlogging and is ideal for growing new bamboo.

 The loam soil is not easily available, but you can make a good mixture using sand, silt, and clay in the ratio of 1 : 1: 1. As a general rule, loam soil should consist of equal parts of all three soil types. For example, 3kg of sand to 3kg of silt to 3kg of clay.

The best time to plant bamboo is early Spring because new shoots and rhizomes grow at this time. 

If you are re-potting an old bamboo plant, make sure that the root hairs and rhizomes remain intact for the plant.

Improve soil for healthy bamboo growth

The first 5 – 12 months of a bamboo’s life in the soil is crucial. This archive of articles has lots of info about how to propagate bamboo plants, check it out.

It will need care and attention, so ensure that the soil remains moist and the condition is perfect for the plants to grow.

The starting points below will help you to create the best soil condition for the new bamboo plants. 

 

Water: 

Bamboo plants in pots will require more water than those grown in the ground. 

Give the plant a generous amount of water, but not too much that it runs out the bottom.

Feed: 

Bamboos in pots need nitrogen-rich organic liquid feed (such as Universal Granule Fertilisers). 

Add mulch such as small barks or grass cutting mixed with small twigs and branches if necessary.

Check: 

No pruning is necessary for the first 12 months after planting your bamboo. 

Check and remove weeds, insects, and dust on the leaves.

Care: 

Monitor the leaves of the bamboo as they are good indicators of the plant’s health.

Soil condition: 

If you think the soil is dry, push a stick or small metal through the top (10cm – 15cm) layer of the soil to check the moisture at different levels.