Steps for growing bamboo plants from stem cuttings

Bamboo plants can grow from stem cuttings, but it is not as effective as growing bamboo from base separation and rhizome cuttings. It will also take a long time to germinate.

Follow the steps below for successful propagation by stem cuttings.

 

This page contains articles on how to propagate healthy bamboo plants - check out the archive for more info.

Use candle wax 

Step 1: Cut some cuttings from a three or four-year-old bamboo plant at 45 degrees angle. 

Each cutting must have at least two nodes and one internode. 

Cover the ends of the bamboo cuttings with wax to save them from rotting or drying.

Use rooting hormone

Step 2: Dip the bamboo cuttings in rooting hormone and ensure that the fresh cuts are covered with the hormone before shaking the excess off.

Use good soil!

Step 3: Fill large a pot or container with potting mix or loam soil (mixture of equal parts sand, silt and clay). Make several holes in the soil and plant the culm cuttings.

Depending on the number of cuttings, you may need more than one pot. 

Ideally, an 20cm garden pot should hold not more than 6 new culm cuttings.

Water & humidity promote growth

Step 4: Cover the cuttings with a clear plastic bag to keep the soil moist. 

Put the pot of newly planted culm cuttings in a warm area, out of direct sunlight.

Water the cuttings to keep the soil moist as water and humidity promote new growth.

Continue early-stage care

Step 5: When you see new shoots, it means the cuttings are putting out roots and rhizomes in the soil.

Continue to water the cuttings until they are ready to move into new pots or planted straight in the garden.

Here is an in-depth article on how to grow bamboo plants from stem cuttings.