The Philippines boasts a rich tapestry of cultural traditions, each thread woven with ingenuity, resilience, and a deep connection to nature. Among these threads lie the intricate art of Sawali weaving and the dynamic martial art of Arnis, seemingly disparate practices that share surprising connections.
CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL FOR MORE INFO - CLICK HERE
The Art of Sawali - From Bamboo Strips to Living Walls
Imagine homes that breathe, walls that whisper tales of sun and rain. This is the magic of Sawali, an age-old weaving technique that transforms humble bamboo strips into living walls.
Skilled artisans meticulously split and weave the bamboo, their hands guided by generations-old patterns. Each design, from the geometric precision of "banig" to the flowing artistry of "binanib", tells a story, reflecting regional traditions and the weaver's unique touch.
One such pattern, the captivating figure-eight, stands out for its elegance and complexity. Weaving it requires a masterful dance of the hands, manipulating the bamboo-like threads on a loom. This pattern, with its interwoven loops and continuous flow, embodies the very essence of Sawali - strength, flexibility, and an enduring connection to the natural world.
Roots of Arnis in Filipino History
But the story doesn't end at the walls. Look closer, and you'll see the echoes of Sawali in the lightning-fast movements of Arnis, the national martial art of the Philippines. Its origins lie in the pre-colonial era, where warriors honed their skills using indigenous weapons like sticks and blades.
The art form evolved, incorporating influences from various cultures, yet retaining its core principles of self-defence, discipline, and respect.
Arnis movements, like the figure-eight flourish, are imbued with symbolism and philosophy. The fluid rotations echo the weaver's hand, each strike a testament to years of practice and dedication. The art form transcends mere physical combat; it's a cultural expression, a dance of warrior spirit and unwavering focus.
Weaving Threads Together - Exploring the Interconnections
Delving deeper, we discover the fascinating parallels between Sawali and Arnis. Both are rooted in resourcefulness, transforming readily available materials – bamboo for the weaver, sticks for the fighter – into instruments of beauty and power. Both demand precision, discipline, and a deep understanding of rhythm and flow. And both, at their core, celebrate the Filipino spirit of resilience and adaptability.
he figure-eight pattern serves as a powerful symbol of this interconnectedness. It represents the cyclical nature of life, the constant ebb and flow of defence and offence, and the enduring strength found in unity. It's a testament to the Filipino people's ability to weave their history, culture, and fighting spirit into a vibrant tapestry that continues to inspire generations.
Contemporary artists and practitioners are actively exploring these connections. Weavers incorporate Arnis-inspired patterns into their work, while Arnisadors draw inspiration from the focus and discipline of the weaving process. These efforts ensure that the threads of Sawali and Arnis remain vibrant, reminding us of the rich cultural heritage that binds them together.
Connections Between Sawali Patterns and Arnis
In conclusion, Sawali and Arnis are not merely cultural practices; they are living testaments to the Filipino spirit. They whisper stories of resilience, resourcefulness, and a deep connection to nature. As we explore their interconnectedness, we gain a deeper appreciation for the enduring legacy of these traditions and the vibrant tapestry they weave into the fabric of Filipino identity.
Sushi is a beloved Japanese dish enjoyed by many worldwide. While it's often associated with restaurant dining, making sushi at home can be a rewarding and fun experience.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of rolling sushi using a bamboo mat, also known as a makisu. Whether you're a sushi enthusiast or a first-timer, our step-by-step instructions will help you create delicious sushi rolls right in your kitchen.
Gather Your Supplies
Before you begin rolling sushi, make sure you have all the necessary supplies. These include:
cutting board,
clean damp towel,
bowl of cold water,
nori (dried seaweed sheets),
sushi rice,
various fillings like fish, vegetables, and sauces, and,
most importantly, a bamboo mat (makisu) for rolling.
Preparing the Bamboo Mat
To prevent the rice from sticking to the bamboo mat, wrap it in plastic wrap. Ensure the plastic wrap's width is wider than the mat.
Lay the mat vertically with the bamboo sticks facing upward, and wrap the mat tightly with the plastic wrap, cutting off any excess.
Create some slits in the plastic wrap to release air, helping to prevent air bubbles while rolling.
Basic Hosomaki (Tuna Roll)
Lay a sheet of nori on the bamboo mat with the rough side facing up. Dip your hands in cold water to prevent the rice from sticking.
Place a ball of sushi rice on the nori and spread it evenly, leaving about an inch of space at the top and half an inch at the bottom.
Add your desired filling, such as tuna, in the middle of the rice.
Roll the bamboo mat, tucking the bottom edge of the nori over the filling. Continue rolling and shaping the sushi until you have a tight, even roll.
Cutting the Sushi
Once your sushi roll is complete, use a sharp, wet knife to cut it into pieces. For traditional hosomaki rolls, cut the roll into six pieces.
Importanatly, Wipe the knife after each cut to maintain a clean blade, ensuring smooth slices.
Uramaki (Salmon Avocado Roll)
For uramaki, also known as inside-out rolls, start with the rice side of the nori facing up. Place a generous amount of rice on the nori, almost double what you used for hosomaki.
Flip it over so the nori faces up and add your desired fillings, such as salmon and avocado. Roll the sushi, ensuring a tight seal at the end.
Tatemaki (Shrimp Tempura Roll)
Tatemaki rolls are thicker and rolled vertically. Sprinkle sesame seeds on the rice before adding your ingredients, such as shrimp tempura, imitation crab, cucumber, and jalapenos.
Roll the sushi tightly, and then cut it into five pieces.
Temaki (Unagi Hand Roll)
Temaki rolls are hand rolls that don't require a bamboo mat. Place the nori in your non-dominant hand, and add rice and your preferred fillings diagonally.
Fold the nori over the ingredients, shaping it into a cone. Use a bit of rice as glue to seal the roll.
Summary (How to Roll Sushi with Bamboo Mat)
Rolling sushi with a bamboo mat can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. With the right tools and ingredients, you can create a variety of delicious sushi rolls at home.
From basic hosomaki to more elaborate uramaki and temaki, you can customise your sushi with your favorite fillings and sauces.
Remember to keep your knife clean and wet for smooth, clean cuts, and don't forget to get creative with your plating. Enjoy the process, and savor your homemade sushi creations!
Bamboo belongs to the grass family, a characteristic most frequently emphasised. There are at least 1,000 species known to botanists and more are being documented. The huge differences between bamboo running and clump-forming bamboo give bamboo growers a wide range of plants to grow in the garden. So, if you are asking the question 'What Bamboo Can I Grow', you've come to the right place.
Here we take a look at the standout bamboo cultivars that feature prominently in many gardens around the world.
What bamboo grows best near me?
Bamboo plants range from the Southeast Asian giant bamboo (Dendrocalamus giganteus), which may grow to be 30 metres tall, to the 45 cm long pygmy bamboo (Pleioblastus pygmaea).
Bamboo plants are common in Asia and are also native plants of North America, the Pacific, and Africa. Some species also are native to the United States and Mexico.
For Europe and the United Kingdom landscapes, the clump-forming bamboo species are greatly preferred over running types, which can be invasive. Also, running species grow best in warmer parts of Europe.
Here in the UK, many clump-forming bamboos such as Fargesia murielae Simba perform well. Unlike popular belief, they can be slow to grow in the cooler areas however thrive when mature.
Feature bamboo: Bamboo murielae rufa is a variety of Fargesia cultivars from Southeast Asia. Plants grow rapidly and feature dense (umbrella) canopy, ideal for privacy screens.
What bamboo plant can I grow?
One of the award-winning running bamboo species in Europe and the UK is the Black Bamboo Nigra.
The Black Bamboo is outstanding because it behaves like clump-forming bamboo in the cooler area. This cold-hardy bamboo plant grows 4 to 6 metres tall in rich soil. It produces chocolate dark stems where there is plenty of direct suns.
For dense screens along boundaries, grow the bamboo plants 2 - 4 metres apart.
The umbrella bamboo cultivars owe their elegance to densely packed leaves and arching foliage. Their sheer thickness bends the bamboo stems, giving the impression of cascading plumes of foliage that sway in the slightest breeze.
Where can I buy bamboo plants?
Clump-forming bamboo plants range in height and provide additional options. One of them is Seabreeze bamboo, which grows rapidly to 12 metres in height. It tolerates pruning well, so it’s often used as a soft hedge.
A favourite of bamboo lovers in mild areas is the Phyllostachys aurea (Fish-pole golden bamboo), a 2-4 metres slender stem bamboo that gives the best garden sticks. It is winter hardy to - 20 degrees Celcius.
The wonderful thing about Sweet Pea flowers is that you must cut them to get more back! It’s an endless supply of flowers for your home over the spring and summer. They also need little space to grow 2 metres tall! Can be grown in containers. Plus the seeds are cheap!
The vining sweet peas are more rewarding and their longer flower stalks are perfect for flower arrangements.
Sweet peas bamboo stakes
You can also plant sweet peas in containers to adorn your sunny balcony or patio. Here, you will need bamboo stakes or some sort of trellising to direct vertical growth.
Sweet Peas and bamboo sticks are a match made in heaven.
Sweet peas trellis netting
Trellis netting is also an option regardless of where your sweet peas are planted.
If you want to do yourself a favour and give your family a gift, procure a few packets of sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus) seeds.
For an investment of a few dollars, you will have sweet pea flowers for many months. Flower colours include every sort of pink, red, burgundy, bronze, blue, lavender, lilac, pink, and white.
Sweet pea seeds
An added bonus of sweet peas is their seeds, which are easily harvested from brown pods produced next spring or summer. Furthermore, sweet pea seeds are easy to plant owing to their large size.
In the manner of all large seeds, however, soak them in water prior to planting for 24 hours or germination may be inhibited.
Sweet peas flowering
When the plants begin to bloom in late winter or early spring, remove flowers as soon as they fade to keep your sweet peas flowering.
Are sweet peas toxic?
Sweet peas seeds are not edible.
Removing the flowers will prevent sweet pea seeds from forming which are toxic, even if it means you will have to forego the harvest of seeds for next year’s planting.
Bamboos have features, structures and properties that are interesting to know, especially if you are a keen gardener.
Some bamboo can grow to more than 10 metres high in the wild. There are over 10,000 known varieties of bamboo plants in the tropical jungles in Asia and the Pacific.
The tropical bamboo plants can be found at Kew Garden Palm House in London.
Facts About Garden Bamboo Plants
Bamboos are winter-hardy and evergreen all year round. They are great screening plants and many of them thrive in the UK, either as clump-forming (Fargesias) or running (Phyllostachys).
Here are 10 interesting facts about garden bamboo plants for a bamboo grower in the UK.
Evergreen all year round.
Roots are difficult to remove.
Grow well in pots and containers.
Can withstand cold British winter.
Splinters are sharp. Cuts can be nasty.
Are invasive and need care and attention.
Costs depend on the size and height and cost.
Great sticks for staking plants in the garden or fencing.
Are either running or clump-forming bamboo varieties.
Suitable for garden décor and centrepiece, borders, fences and privacy screens.
GIANT TIMBER BAMBOO [Kew Garden Palm House in London]
Bamboo Plants UK - running vs. clump-forming
Running bamboo
The Phyllostachys bamboo plants have horizontal underground stems called rhizomes.
These running bamboo plants are great for tall borders and screens and are becoming popular in recent years because of the spectacular colours of the stems.
This variety is invasive and needs close attention to stop it from spreading.
Clump-forming bamboo
Fagesias are fantastic garden and pot plants. They are non-invasive plants compared to their cousins, the Running bamboo plants. The running bamboo plants have great stem colourations, whereas the clump-forming have dense foliage.
The evergreen foliage of the garden bamboo plants is adorable all season.
Its strong and hardy stems make for a strong fence. The sticks are fantastic for staking beans and sweet peas.
The bamboo plants, whether grown as privacy screens, hedges or used as staking sticks, are growing in popularity among gardeners and homeowners in the UK.
Check out GBP Blog's archive and YouTube Videos for tips and tricks to Grow Bamboo Plants in the UK. It has an updated collection of articles on ALL-YOU-NEED-TO-GROW-BAMBOO plants.
Phyllostachys aurea Fishpole Golden Bamboo is an all-rounder, slim running bamboo, that grows well in shade, part shade and sun, with spectacular evergreen slender leaves and light green stems that mature to golden yellow.
This is one of the best bamboo plants to grow for garden bamboo sticks because of its thick and slender tall stems.
Golden Bamboo Phyllostachys aurea UK sales
The RHS has recognised Phyllostachys aurea for its outstanding garden features.
Identification: Phyllostachys aurea, Fishpole Bamboo, Golden Bamboo.
Site: Tolerant bamboo, grows in full sun to partial shade and shade.
Soil: Prefers moist and well-drained loose soil (sand and loam), doesn’t like compacted soil.
Uses: Excellent for hedging, screening, windbreak, or pots and containers.
Winter hardiness: Hardy to - 20 degrees Celsius.
Height: Fast-growing plant, 2 – 4m.
Spread: Running bamboo, allow space to spread or contain in large pots.
Foliage: Light green to yellow foliage all year round.
Stem: Slender bright green matures to golden yellow in full sun.
Phyllostachys aurea gives the best garden sticks
Uses Phyllostachys aurea Fishpole Bamboo
Although the fishpole bamboo is tolerant to shade, it grows well in part shade and sun.
Sufficient sunlight will result in a significant transformation in the colour of the culms (stems) and foliage from green to golden yellow.
This running bamboo behaves more like the clump-forming bamboo in the UK where it is cooler. Here are two other running bamboo plants that act like clumpers.
However, the rhizomes are invasive where the soil is loose and rich in moisture and nutrients, so grow it where there is enough space for them to grow.
The Phyllostachys aurea is an ideal bamboo for hedging, privacy screening and windbreak in the garden. It is also an excellent bamboo plant for medium to large pots and containers.
Notably, it does not like soggy soil and it definitely does not like compacted soil. It prefers well-drained loamy soil, loose and rich in moisture.
Propagate Phyllostachys aurea
Bamboo growers are propagating Phyllostachys aurea from seeds and rhizome cuttings, and base separation.
However, bamboo seeds are often hard to buy near you because they do not flower regularly.
The 2 best ways to propagate Phyllostachys aurea
is by base separation and
from rhizome and culm cuttings.
This video shows the work we did at Garden Bamboo Plants UK.
Phyllostachys aurea Grow and Care Tips
The new growth will require care and attention.
Slugs adore the tender new growths, they can wipe off the fresh leaves in one visit if left unprotected.
If you are propagating bamboo plants either from the rhizome or culm cuttings or planting a recent purchase, protect the new growths by adding Slug and Snail Killer.
Perhaps it is important to note that despite its clump-forming nature, the Phyllostachys aurea is a running bamboo.
The bamboo's horizontal rhizomes can spread to an average of 4m if left unchecked. It is best to give it space to grow.
Alternatively surround the roots with root barriers to restrict the rhizomes from spreading.
Better to grow Phyllostachys aurea where there is enough space, away from strong wind.
It can also be grown in large pots and containers to contain its spreading.
Facts about Phyllostachys aurea
The matured Fishpole Golden bamboo will thrive in well-drained loamy soil with high moisture and nutrient contents.
Like most bamboo plants in the UK, they do not like compacted dry soils such as new building sites or roads and pathways.
In addition, the matured bamboos thrive on what is available in the soil, they will occasionally need feed and water.
A regular check is recommended if you are growing them in containers.
The browning of the culms or yellowing of the leaves are signs of the plant in distress. Here is an article on how to revive your bamboo plants where they show signs of distress.
Check the soil by inspection or digging to 10 cm depth to find out if the soil is too dry. Add, mulch fertiliser or any plant feed if necessary.
If your Phyllostachys aurea plant outgrows the container and shows distressing signs, it is calling for you to separate the plants and re-pot them.
Also, prune the old culms ideally in early Spring for the new growth to take over.
The best way to remove bamboo from the yard is to dig out the entire bamboo plant or the parts to be removed.
Bamboo stems are joined to the rhizomes that grow just below the topsoil. By uprooting the rhizomes, you can contain bamboo from spreading.
Note that although the bamboo roots are not deep in the soil, the intricate network of roots and rhizomes is often difficult to deal with using hand tools.
Step 1: Cut down the culms (stems), remove the branches and store the bamboo canes for future use.
Step 2: The rhizomes grow on the top layer of the soil, so dig down, along with or around the bamboo plant. Cut all the rhizomes and pull them out.
Step 3: You will also have to remove the whole bamboo buds and clumped base. Put a pickaxe through the base of the bamboo and remove them one by one. Use a pair of secateurs or garden loppers to cut the rhizomes into smaller pieces.
Step 4: Remove any soil around the bamboo roots and base of the parent plant. Keep the cutting in direct sun or pour boiling water on them to stop the cutting from growing again.
Select and cut the bamboo stems (culms), you want to remove, close to the ground. The tools that you choose to use for cutting the culms depend on their sizes.
For the smaller clump-forming and running bamboos, you will require a pair of secateurs or garden loppers. The big bamboo plants will require an electric saw or hand saw to remove and cut the thick culms.
Cut the bamboo stems horizontally (neatly across), close to the node as possible so that you have a nice and neat space to work.
Do not cut the stem across the note to avoid any pointy ends sticking out.
Collect the use bamboo sticks in the garden.
Tip #2: Dig bamboo roots and rhizomes
If you want to completely kill the bamboo, you must remove all the rhizomes.
Start by digging 20 – 30cm around the bamboo plant to expose the root hairs and rhizomes. (The best tool for this job is the pickaxe). Cut any rhizomes that you see and remove the soil as you dig.
Carefully store the rhizomes cuttings in a large pot or bin for a few weeks before discarding them from your property.
Tip #3: Remove bamboo rhizomes
Bamboo roots do not grow deep into the soil. As a grass variety, the roots and horizontal stems (also called rhizomes) are often found at the top 20 – 30cm of the topsoil.
That does not mean it is easy to remove bamboo roots from your yard.
The root hairs and intertwined rhizomes network under the soil require a lot of digging, cutting, pulling and removing.
Tip #4: Prepare work area
Before starting, inspect the bamboo to understand how much work you can do in one hour and how long it will take to complete it.
Removing bamboo roots is painstaking work if you are doing it yourself, so prepare well for the job.
The right tools and preparations are important for getting the job done.
Prepare the cuttings collection bins, tools and gloves and anything you may need.
All in all, remove the bamboo stems, branches and leaves. Then, dip up the rhizomes, cut them into smaller bits, and leave them to dry before binning them.
Want to know the best way to make tomato plants produce more fruit? There is no hidden secret but to encourage the plant to produce more flowers - the more flowers, the more tomato fruit.
This video shows how we build a bamboo frame for the tomato plants and encourage more flowers.
How to make tomato plants produce more fruit?
Many factors affectthe growth and fruiting of tomato plants. The common factors include soil, temperature, water and weather.
Come factor we can control, others are natural and we are dependent on them to give us good harvests.
As far as the much-loved tomato plants are concerned, growers need to provide the best condition for the to give more fruit. And, leave the rest to nature to do its bit.
You can prune tomato plants to produce more fruit.
Remove the early leaves to channel the energy into the main plant to produce more flowers and more fruit.
Also, remove the tips so that the tomato plant does not grow too tall, or too short.
Yet, for tomato plants to produce more fruit they must have lots of flowers. And the flowers must be successfully pollinated, either manually or by bees.
How tall can you let tomato plants grow?
But, how can you get the balance between pruning and the height of the tomato plant so that they produce lots of fruit in summer?
It is important to gardeners that more flowers means more fruit.
Tomato plants flower at different stages. That means that they fruit at different stages, too.
So, if you want more fruit, you'll have to let the tomato flower at 3 or 4 different stages which means that you'll have tall plants that need support.
Build a strong bamboo frame using bamboo sticks to support the tall tomato plants. [SEE VIDEOS]
So, grow your tomato plants early in summer in nutrient-rich soil, grow bags and pots.
Fargesia murielae Standing Stone is an upright (tall) Umbrella Bambooalso known as the Flaming or arrow bamboo for its tall and straight canes.
Newly introduced clump-forming bamboo is exceptionally hardy and tolerant to poor soil conditions.
Upright, tight clump-forming bamboo, ideal as an individual plant or grown in pots and containers. Standing Stone is also a good option for a tall hedge and privacy fence.
Buy Fargesia Murielae Standing Stone
Standing Stone Bamboo is a beautiful ornamental bamboo, an ideal choice for tall-growing hedges or screens, or as an individual plant.
Click on the link/s where you’ll be directed to top UK Bamboo Suppliers.
You can check the latest prices before buying the bamboo that suits your budget. (Let us know if you have a particular choice of bamboo that we can help with).
Site: Best in full sun, tolerates shade, avoid windy locations.
Soil: Prefers Loamy or clay, well-drained moist, doesn’t like compacted soil.
Hardiness: - 10 degrees Celsius.
Care: Protect new growth from slugs, susceptible to wind and heavy snow.
Maintain Fargesia murielae Standing Stone
Bamboo Standing Stone is a tall slim clump-forming Fergasia Murielae.
Although the culms have strength in numbers, the new culms stand little chance against the strong wind. They'll sway and bend easily.
Grow Fargesia murielae Standing Stone away from the wind.
Alternatively, support the culm by tying them together. [Here is a YouTube video about How to Protect Bamboo from the wind and snow.]
Care for Standing Stone Bamboo
Slugs adore the new bamboo plants (shoots and rhizomes tips). Apply the Snail and Slug Killer to protect the new growth.
The best time to apply the Snail and Bug Killers is early Spring when new growths are prominent.
Fargesia murielae ‘Standing Stone’ is a tall Fargesia clump-forming bamboo. Though it is a tolerant and tough bamboo, it needs protection from the wind.
This clump-forming bamboo forms a tightly packed cluster of arching stems and evergreen foliage, that emerges into a thicker hedge or screen.
Apply fertiliser if or when necessary.
Alternatively, add mulch in early in Spring, ideally before the new shoot growth. This will improve the condition of the soil and give a healthy Standing Stone bamboo.
20+ Fargesia Murielae Bamboo Cultivars
The Umbrella Bamboo (Fargesia murielae Standing Stone) is as arching, clump-forming bamboo, closely resembling Fargesia murielae varieties.
Here are five Umbrella Bamboo plants that are closely related to the Standing Stone.
We did extensive research on the popular bamboo plants in the UK and, carefully, gathered the qualities and features so that you can find the one that suits you.
Check out our collections of over 20 Fargesia murielae and Fargesia nitida bamboo plants. Alternatively, use the search bar (on the right) if you are looking for a particular bamboo.
We present the information in a simplified version where you can easily identify the bamboo that suits you.
Amazing Garden Bamboo Plants
Bamboos are amazing plants. They come in various sizes, shapes, colours, and formations.
Although some varieties (Phyllostachys) are invasive, they are manageable. They need care when they are newly planted. Once establish, you only have to check on them and enjoy the evergreen plant.
Fargesia bamboo varieties are non-spreading and form clusters of rigorous stems. These bamboo plants are best for small hedges and privacy fences.
They thrive in pots and containers, and as individual plants.
Bamboo is fast-growing, provides cover fast and last longer than many other perennial. They are tough and tolerant plants.
Ornamental Garden Bamboo Plants
The garden and containers bamboo plants are evergreen all year round and tolerant to hardy conditions.
They provide greenery all season, always a joy to watch the hedge dancing in the wind or standing among the white snowfall.
Bamboo plants in pot and container planters are great for instant privacy screens. Besides, you do not have to worry about the bamboos’ invasiveness because the planters are barriers.
They also provide the benefit of moving them around to optimise on space available, perfect for small and narrow spaces.
There are more benefits to using the plants. However, growing bamboo in pot and container planters requires extra care and attention, unlike the garden hedging bamboo screens.
In this article, you will find out about how to:
choose the best bamboo for small outdoor spaces,
select the best planters to grow bamboo and
provide long-term care for the bamboo plants.
How to select the best pots and containers?
There are a lot of recommendations for larger and bigger bamboo planters, but these are not often the best recommendations for narrow outdoor areas like the deck, patio, balcony or porch.
Unless, of course, use a bigger planter if the outdoor area has enough space for a bigger plant.
When choosing a pot or container for growing bamboo, size, weight and stability matter!
That begs the question what is the best pot or container for planting bamboo plants?
The three-pointers will help you to identify the bamboo planter that suits you.
A strong and durable frost resistant pot or container planter will act as a root barrier and protect the plant against the cold. Avoid the thin plastic pots because they do not stand a chance against the bamboo rhizomes and clumps in compacted space.
Avoid growing bamboo in containers that have small openings and heavy tops. If you use these planters, it will be hard to remove the bamboo plants for repotting, or the tall plants will topple to the ground.
Perhaps the important point to consider when selecting a pot or container for growing bamboo is the space available on your porch, patio, deck or balcony. Most of these spaces are usually narrow.
Ideally, the narrow rectangular heavy-duty containers are best for this kind of space. For the corners, you may want to choose a heavy-duty square container planter.
Some DIY wooden and metal containers are great for other plants, but not ideal for bamboo plants.
Furthermore, the metals pots do not have good insulations as they either absorb or lose heat pretty quickly in Summer and Winter, respectively.
If you still wish to use DIY wooden containers to grow bamboo, the best thing to do is to use the treated timbers that can last longer than 5 years.
As for the metal containers, ensure that they are well insulated from heat and cold.
Above all, ensure that the pot and container planters for growing bamboo are strong and stable, are well insulated, and have good drainage.
Choose large pots or container planters
You can move the bamboo into a larger pot or container planters. It is going to be a tedious operation getting the bamboo out.
However, if you are using the square and rectangular container box, you’ll find it easier to uproot the plant and repot it while saving the old container box.
In a case where it is difficult to remove the plant from the container planter, you will have to decide whether to keep the plant or keep the planter box. That means that you will have to destroy one and save the other.
The best time for repotting a bamboo plant into the container planters is early Spring when the new growths are prominent.
Avoid environmental stress in confined areas
Like other potted plants, bamboos in pots require attention if they were to thrive in the confined space.
One of the main reasons why bamboo leaves turn yellow (more info here) is the lack of moisture and nutrient in the soil.
Undoubtedly, bamboo in pots and container boxes will grow well where there is good moisture and nutrient in the soil.
Many pot and container planter boxes have a hollow bottom where the water drains out pretty quickly.
Bamboo plants tend to lose more water through transpiration through the thin and slender leaves compared to other thick leaves plants.
Poor drainage and a high rate of transpiration are often the main reasons why the soil in pot planters becomes devoid of nutrients and moisture. This is the main cause of the yellowing of bamboo leaves and browning culms.
How to improve soil condition in pots?
There are two things you can do to improve the soil moisture and soil nutrients in pot and container planters.
Firstly, fill the base of the pot and container planters with pebbles, gravel or a porous pot filler to stop it from losing water.
Do not block the hole at the bottom of the planters completely because the bamboo plants dislike waterlogged containers.
In addition, leave a spacing of about 10cm to 15 cm at the top of the pot and container planters after you’ve planted the bamboo. This space is very important for mulching and fertilising the plants later.
Secondly, use nutrient-rich loam soil and or potting compost when potting bamboo plants into containers to give them the best start.
Here is the right mixture of clay to sand to silt to create an ideal loam for growing bamboo.
Alternatively, a 50/50 mix potting compost contains the right nutrient and moisture for new bamboo plants to thrive in the pots.
If you need more information on how to grow bamboo, check out the Instructional Guides from YouGarden.
How to stop tall bamboo in pots from falling down?
Ominously, the tall bamboo plants will sway in the wind and topple to the ground if the pots are unstable. When this happens, you are likely to have a damaged plant, or pot, or both.
To avoid bamboo in pots falling to the ground, choose a pot or container planter with good stability.
A regular occurrence is when the tall bamboo culms lean out of the bamboo cluster or grove. In this case, use the garden ropes to tie them back.
Protect potted bamboo roots and rhizomes from cold and frost
The bamboos in pots and container planters require insulation in Winter when the temperature falls to negative values.
Although the bamboo plants are tough and hardy, the roots and rhizomes are above ground level and are directly exposed to the weather, unlike the plants on the ground.
The bamboo plants in the planter pots are prone to frost, frozen soil and, even, the Winter’s chill.
The best way to protect the bamboo in the planters is to add mulch and cover the base of the pots with an insulating blanket, bubble wrap or special plant insulation fleece.
Do these when bamboo in pot and container planters grow big
The running and clumping bamboo plants will reach full growth in the pots and containers within 2 – 5 years. That is the period when the plants are at their peak.
They’ll display evergreen foliage, shiny culms and beautiful leaves – an ideal time to enjoy the beauty of your bamboo plants.
The plants will thrive for more than 5 to 10 years in large pot planters under the right conditions and care mentioned in this article.
To continue to enjoy them, there are a couple of things you can do to keep the plants in the pot longer.
How to maintain bamboo plants in pots and containers?
Bamboo plants are relatively hardy bamboo and can withstand air temperatures as low as – 20 degrees Celsius in normal growing conditions.
However, bamboo plants in pots and containers without the right insulations will struggle to survive at such very low temperatures.
So the first thing to do before planting them is to insulate the containers by using styrofoam which is light and great for extra insulation.
In addition, the new bamboo plants are prone to slugs damage. Add Slugs and Snail Killer to protect new shoots and rhizome tips.
Here are some general protection measures to apply when planting bamboo in pot and container planters;
Apply Slug and Snail Killer around your new bamboo.
Add organic mulch.
Tie the long culms to bamboo sticks or poles.
Add insulation inside the pot and containers.
Cover the pots and containers with additional insulation fleece or blanket when the temperature drops to negative degrees Celsius.
‘Thinning’ bamboo in pot and container planters
Remove the old unhealthy culms (canes) to give the new shoots a chance to reach full height. In fact, the new shoots will be stronger and taller than previous bamboos, so encourage new growth if you want taller and healthier plants.
After 5 – 10 years, you will have to carry out ‘thinning’. Remove the older bamboo culms and rhizomes from the pots and containers, and separate the culms into segments for repotting. This activity is best done in Spring.
At this juncture, we provided insight into how to select and grow the perfect bamboo plants in pots for the small outdoor space at home, the office or the rental place.
Check out the black bamboo plants for sale at Crocus.co.uk
How to protect black bamboo?
Bamboo plants are hardy and tolerant of pests and diseases. However, the Black Bamboo plants will require sunlight, water and fertiliser to thrive in pots and poor soil.
The best time to prune, add fertilisers and mulch and re-pot/replant bamboo is in early Spring when the new growths are prominent.
Pruning and thinning bamboo plants are vital for the plants. As mentioned above, pruning can be done to either remove the old culms and rhizomes with the aim to promote new growths.
Whereas thinning is normally carried out to reduce the bamboo’s density and stop the rhizomes from spreading, basically removing the unwanted growths.
The bamboo canes are great sticks for staking tomatoes, plants and flowers in the garden. So, keep the bamboo sticks when you are pruning or thinning the black bamboo.
All in all, we hope that this article helps you to identify the common black bamboo plants that thrive in the UK and learn how to grow them in pots and containers, or in the garden.
When pruning or thinning bamboo plants, it is important to cut the canes close to the ground. This will give the new shoots an opportunity to grow well.
Also, you'll get tall bamboo canes that have tough 'bottoms' and can last longer in the soil.
When prepping bamboo canes, always remove the branches and leaves neatly, do not work against the grain.
Trim the branches using a pair of secateurs or sharp knives. In addition, use a garden rope to tie the bamboo canes (see image) into a bundle.
That way, it's nice and neat as well as light and easy to store and move around when you need them.
5 preps tips for long-lasting bamboo canes
Work out how high you want the plant to grow.
Use a pair of secateurs to cut bamboo canes (cut close to the nodes, careful not to split the bamboos).
Use a digging tool to make holes deep into the pot and push the bamboo canes into the holes.
Compact the soil around the bamboo canes.
Use garden ropes to tie the potted plants to the bamboo canes.
*If you are building a wigwam-climbing frame for the crawling plants like the trellis, follow steps 1 – 4 and use smaller bamboo canes to tie them together)
Cut bamboo canes close to the nodes
Although bamboo canes have a high resistance to rotting, the exposed ends can disintegrate quickly.
The part of bamboo cane inside the soil will rot when it is exposed to water and moisture.
However, when cut close to the nodes, it acts as a barrier and can slow down the bamboo cane from rotting quickly.
Avoid splitting bamboo canes
Use a sharp pair of secateurs and do a clean-cut at the bottom of the bamboo canes.
Avoid splitting the bamboo during cutting.
Your bamboo canes will last longer, and you'll be able to re-use them for many years if they stay whole.
Be careful not to split the bamboo canes because the splinters are sharp and can cause nasty cuts to exposed skins, too.
All in all, cut the bamboo close to the ground (during pruning) and close to the node before using it to support your plants in the pots.
Bamboo canes great for vines and new plants
The bamboo canes are tall, slender, rounded, tough and strong. They are the perfect support for new plants, vines, beans and garden and pot plants that need stem support.
The bamboo canes will last for many years. You can use and re-use the canes, they are tough, firm and strong. They are also flexible, you can bend them to your liking and create amazing shapes and designs.
In fact, bamboo canes will form a formidable support system if you use ropes to tie the plants to the canes or group them together into wigwam climber frames.
This has been seen in China, Hong Kong, Singapore and other Asian countries where bamboo canes are used to create stunning garden features.
In the UK, many creative gardeners and homeowners are using bamboo canes to build different support systems for their garden and pot plants.
Bamboo canes provide firm support for plants. Many gardeners and homeowners are increasingly using bamboo canes as stakes. The canes are small, strong and blend incredibly well where they are used.
There are many other fantastic uses of bamboo canes. We covered the common uses in the garden, read on to find out.
Buy bamboo canes for pot and garden plants
Here are some possible places to get bamboo canes for plants online or in shops.
The bamboo canes can support a variety of plants, shrubs and trees in gardens and pots. They are best for staking new plants and giving them the best possible start.
Many gardeners stake the plants or create frames for them to grow on. There are many options for using bamboo canes.
If you have a bamboo grove, you'll have an endless supply of bamboo canes, but if you do not have a bamboo plant, you can buy the bamboo canes online or at the nearest DIY shops.
Bamboo canes for garden plants
Bamboo canes are perfect for runner beans, tomatoes, raspberry and other soft fruit and vegetables in the garden.
Here are some examples of bamboo canes we used in the garden and in pots. They are a great support system for both the new and growing plants.
Examples of bamboo canes in use in pots and patio
What bamboo to grow for bamboo canes?
Both the running and the clumping bamboo plants are perfect for harvesting bamboo canes.
Running bamboo provides long, upright and slender canes, best canes for supporting garden plants and pot plants.
The clump-forming bamboo plants are often slender and arching. Their culms will form dense clusters and produce canes, ideal for supporting plants in gardens and pots. Here are some recommendations.
If you want slim and tall bamboo canes, grow Phyllostachys aurea. It is also called the Fish-pole bamboo because of its long, slim and strong canes used as fishing rods in South-East Asia and Pacific regions.
Phyllostachys aurea fishpole bamboo
Large bamboo canes for garden plants
There are many large bamboo that give tall bamboo canes which youo can grow in the garden and harvest the canes.
The common tall bamboo plants in the UK are Phyllostachys aureosulcata aureocaulis, Phyllostachys aureosulcata spectabilis and Phyllostachys bissettii.
They are tall bamboos with thick culms. They are ideal for staking shrubs and soft fruit or larger plants.
Whether you want slim and strong bamboo canes for pot plants or tall and thick bamboo canes for garden plants and shrubs, the Phyllostachys bamboos will not disappoint you.
The option for planting bamboo and benefiting from using the canes are endless.
Varieties of Bambusa textilis 'Gracilis' cultivars
The distinct variations among the Bambusa textilis cultivars make it easy to tell them apart.
First, let’s take a look at the 5 common Bambusa textilis 'Gracilis' cultivars.
Slender Weaver’s Gracilis Bamboo (Bambusa textilis var. gracilis):
This is the common Weavers’ Bamboo in the Bambusa gracilis group. Its desirable slender and clump-forming nature makes it a preferred choice for tall privacy screens and garden hedging.
Emerald Bamboo (Bambusa textilis 'mutabilis'):
A stunning upright bamboo with a spectacular blueish white appearance, quite a rare bamboo.
The name ‘emerald’ is fitting for its light-yellow elongated culms, slim green leaves and graceful foliage.
Bambusa textilis ‘Kanapaha’:
Commonly called Wang Chuk meaning Royal Bamboo. This Timber Bamboo is a giant of the Bambusa textilis group.
It can reach a height of 15 – 20 metres at maturity.
The Weaver's Bamboo Dwarf is a Tropical bamboo variety that requires high humidity, fertile soil, and high moisture and grows well in confined spaces – an ideal indoor dwarf bamboo plant.
Bambusa textilis 'Maculata':
Slender and erect bamboo, very similar to Gracilis. It is an excellent bamboo for small yards and tight spaces.
The culms are slightly further apart at the base, unlike the Slender Weaver’s Bamboo.
How to grow slender Weaver’s bamboo textilis
There are several ways to grow bamboo, it depends on how much time you have and what propagation method suit you.
Here are the three reliable (and quick) ways to grow large clumping bamboos are:
Clump separation or division;
Culm cuttings; or
Nursery bamboo textilis plants.
Firstly, growing the slender Weaver’s Bamboo from clump separation is probably the quickest way to propagate bamboo.
If you have an old bamboo grove, you can take the divisions and plant them straight into the ground.
Secondly, propagation by stem cuttings is another effective way to grow large bamboo such as the Bambusa textiles and Bambusa tuloides varieties.
But, you have to propagate the cuttings in the propagating medium before transplanting them into large pots or into the ground.
And thirdly, buying the Slender Weaver’s bamboo from nursery and growing it is probably the quickest get a new plant.
You do not have to worry about the propagation period.
Qualities and features of slender Weaver’s bamboo plants
The Slender Weaver’s Bamboo, Bambusa textilis, is clump-forming, hardy, evergreen with slender, green to yellow culms and slightly arching stems.
This bamboo produces many canes that are very closely spaced and have dense foliage.
Since the slender Weaver’s Bamboo grows tall, it does not prefer sites where there are strong winds.
Plant it in protected sites or away from the wind.
For example, it will grow very tall if it grows under tall pines or other deciduous trees.
In an ideal case, grow the slender Weaver’s bamboo to block any tall unsightly features next door.
In fact, the thick green leaves, arching evergreen foliage and tall (upright dense) culms make this bamboo the best choice for tall covers.
It is also an ideal bamboo for large pots and containers. One reason why it makes a good container plant is its compact (clumping) nature. It adapts well to confined spaces.
Another reason this bamboo is ideal for pots and containers is that it will *not* grow to its full height when planted in pots, however, it will still give admirable stem colourations, slender culms and evergreen foliage.
Also, if you want to grow a Bambusa textilis in pots and containers, the best option is Bambusa textilis ‘RG Dwarf’ (the Weaver's Bamboo Dwarf) or Buddah's Belly Bamboo(Bambusa tuldoides Ventricosa).
How to care for your slender Weaver’s bamboo?
Although the slender Weaver’s bamboo plants are tolerant to pests and variable soil conditions, there is a number of natural threats growers should be mindful of, such as slugs’ attacks and wind.
Slugs' attack on bamboo plants is a common occurrence, they adore the new shoots and leaves.
Protect the new growth, especially in Spring and Summer when the new growths are prominent, by applying Slug and Snail Killer.
Ominously, the Weaver’s Bamboo is tall. Its new culms will have several internodes before putting out branches and leaves, therefore, the culms are susceptible to wind.
Stake the new culms to protect them from swaying and breaking.
General care for bamboo plants
Generally, the running- and clump-forming bamboos love moist soil but do not like too much water.
The newly planted bamboo plants will thrive in well-aerated loam, or sand and loose clay soil. So, make sure that the soil remains well-drained and aerated.
In addition, the older plants will require fertiliser and mulch, at least, once in Spring.
Check to see if they are putting out new shoots, or whether the leaves and soil are in good condition.
For healthy bamboo plants, do these:
Apply Slug and Snail Killer around your new bamboo.
Add organic mulch.
Tie the culms to bamboo sticks/stakes.
Add NPK fertilizers.
Trim old culms to promote new growths.
The Slender Weaver’s Bamboo textilis is a formidable plant for garden hedging and privacy screens.
Standout features of Fargesia Borinda bamboo plants
The four Fargesia Borinda bamboos have stunning features from the new shoots to culm colours, sheets and leaves.
These clump-formers are prominent in the US and Australia where there are pronominally seen in feature gardens and landscaping.
They also add splashes of different colours to the backyard garden and outdoor areas.
Fargesia papyrifera Borinda:
The 'Blue Dragon' Papyrifera Borinda is a clumping umbrella bamboo, also called the ‘Blue Dragon’ after its spectacular blue culms.
It is a tall upright bamboo that will eventually arch under the weight of the shiny green leaves. A great ornamental plant.
Fargesia Borinda Angustissima:
Borinda Angustissima is probably the common Fargesia Borinda bamboo in the UK.
Angsutissima is known for its crimson-purple shoots, lime green culms, creamy sheaths and frosty leaves giving it a white powdery appearance.
Fantastic as an individual plant or in rows as a privacy screen and hedge.
The 'Frosty Bamboo'
Borinda fungosa:
This clumping bamboo is a standout due to its burgundy-red culms.
It has large slender leaves that closely resemble the leaves of Fargesia yunnanensis.
Both bamboo fungosa and yunnanensis have beautiful leaf patterns. The leaves tend to form a full, lush screen perfect for small outdoor spaces.
Fargesia yunnanensis:
This fountain bamboo has peculiar purple-pink sheaths, and the young foliage has hair-like nodes.
The leaves of bamboo Fargesia yunnanensis and Borinda fungosa are similar.
You must pay close attention to the sheath, culms and shoots to tell them apart. They are perfect for small outdoor spaces, or pots and containers.
How to grow Fargesia papyrifera ‘Blue Dragon’?
Growing the Fargesia papyrifera ‘Blue Dragon’ from clump separation is probably the quickest way.
Propagation by stem cuttings is another effective way to grow the ‘Blue Dragon’. However, you have to propagate the cuttings in a propagating medium before transplanting them.
Growing these spectacular specimen bamboos requires care and attention to get them off to a good start.
But, as mentioned, the Fargesia Borinda family are quite recently cultivars in the UK.
Therefore, you may have difficulty finding a ‘Blue Dragon’ grove near you.
If you cannot get a plant at your local nursery or garden centre, check online.
They are renowned UK Gardens Shops where you can get your bamboo plants, supplies and accessories from.
Uses of Fargesia papyrifera ‘Blue Dragon’
This clump-forming bamboo is the best choice for tall garden hedges and privacy screens.
In fact, the thick green leaves, arching evergreen foliage and upright dense culms are the best choices for tall covers.
It is also an ideal bamboo for large pots and containers.
One reason why it makes a good container plant is its compact (clumping) nature.
It adapts well to confined spaces.
'Blue Dragon will grow to its full height when planted in pots and it will still give the admirable stem colourations, slender culms and evergreen foliage.
In addition, if you want to grow a Fargesia Borinda in pots and containers, the best option is Fargesia Borinda Angustissima.
How to care for your Fargesia ‘Blue Dragon’?
Fargesia papyrifera ‘Blue Dragon’ plants are tolerant to pests and variable soil conditions.
But, be mindful of slugs’ attacking the new growths.
Protect the new growth, especially in Spring and Summer when the new growths are prominent, by applying Slug and Snail Killer.
The ‘Blue Dragon’ is tall. This bamboo, like the tall bamboo plants, is susceptible to wind.
Stake the new culms to protect them from swaying and breaking.
General care for bamboo plants
Generally, the running and clumping bamboos love moist soil, but they do not like waterlogged areas.
Newly planted bamboo plants will thrive in well-aerated loam, or sand and loose clay soil. So, make sure that the soil remains well-drained and aerated.
Also, the older plants will require fertiliser and mulch, at least, once in Spring.
Check to see if they are putting out new shoots, or whether the leaves and soil are in good condition.
For healthy bamboo plants, do these:
Apply Slug and Snail Killer around your new bamboo.
