The lucky bamboo is a popular housewarming gift because it is said to bring luck to the home. It is easy to grow and doesn’t need much care. Lucky bamboo plants that are used for good feng shui often have interesting shapes, swirls, or braided stalks. You can find them in homes and offices. You can also teach them to grow stalks that are as straight as an arrow and have simple, small, flopped-over green leaves on them.
The plant looks like bamboo and grows quickly like bamboo (it can grow more than a foot in six months), but it is not related to bamboo at all. It is a type of Dracaena succulent plant. Be aware that this plant is not lucky for pets because its toxic to cats and dogs.
Growing bamboo in a pot allows you to enjoy the benefits of this versatile plant even if you have limited garden space. With the right pot, soil, and care, bamboo thrives in containers. Follow this complete guide to successfully planting bamboo in pots.
Choose a Large Container
Pick a pot that will accommodate the bamboo’s vigorous root system. Bamboo roots spread quickly, so go as big as you can.
-
For full growth, select at least a 10-gallon sized pot.
-
Larger is better – try a 20-30 gallon tub for healthy plants.
-
Choose a container at least 12 inches deep for adequate root space
-
Make sure the pot has several drainage holes in the bottom to prevent soggy soil
-
Avoid narrow, vase-shaped pots that restrict roots. Opt for wide, cylindrical shapes.
-
Go lightweight for portability or heavy duty materials like concrete for stability.
-
Match your pot’s style to your decor – options like ceramic, wood, plastic, and metal all work.
Use a Well-Draining Soil Mix
Create a porous soil blend to balance moisture retention and drainage.
-
Use a quality potting mix as the base, not garden soil which is too dense.
-
Mix in 1 part compost to provide nutrients. Opt for composted manure over fresh.
-
Add 1 part pumice or perlite to improve aeration and drainage.
-
Optional: mix in biochar to boost nutrient absorption.
The resulting light, fluffy mixture mimics the well-draining soil bamboo loves.
Plant Bamboo Root Ball in Pot
Follow these steps to transfer your bamboo into its new container:
-
Gently remove plant from its old pot, loosening any circled roots.
-
OPTIONAL: Line pot bottom with landscape fabric to prevent soil from escaping.
-
Fill pot 1/3 full with prepared soil mix.
-
Place bamboo root ball in pot so top is just below rim.
-
Fill remaining space with mix, tamping down. Leave 1″ space for watering.
-
Water thoroughly until it drains out bottom. Never let soil get fully dry.
Provide Ideal Growing Conditions
Bamboo thrives with ample moisture, sunlight, and nutrition:
-
Place pot in a warm, sunny spot if possible. Bamboo tolerates shade but grows faster with more light.
-
Keep soil consistently moist. Water when top few inches become dry. Mist leaves often.
-
Fertilize actively growing bamboo in early spring and midsummer. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer.
-
Move potted bamboo to a sheltered spot for winter if area sees deep freezes. Mulch well.
-
Rotate pot occasionally to ensure even growth. Stake larger varieties to prevent toppling.
Select Cold Hardy Varieties
Some species handle cold better if keeping pots outdoors year-round. Choose tough types like:
-
Bambusa oldhamii – the hardiest bamboo, tolerates temps down to 0°F when mature.
-
Fargesia spp. – clumping types withstand winters in zones 5-6. ‘Rufa’ is extra hardy.
-
Phyllostachys spp. – cold hardy runner varieties include P. aureosulcata and P. bissettii.
Check your zone and opt for hardy bamboos suited to your climate. Protect in winter.
Give Potted Bamboo Regular Care
Keep your container bamboo flourishing with proper maintenance:
-
Water 1-2 times a week, whenever soil dries out. Bamboo needs constant moisture.
-
Fertilize in early spring and midsummer with liquid or slow-release feeds.
-
Repot every 2-3 years into a larger container. Slide out rootball and loosen roots before replanting.
-
Prune old stems annually to stimulate new growth. Cut back runners to contain size.
-
Clean leaves with water spray monthly to prevent pests and diseases.
-
Monitor for aphids and scale. Treat quickly with horticultural oils or soaps.
With the right growing conditions and care, bamboo thrives for years in containers, whether on a patio, balcony or anywhere space is limited!
Tips for Growing Different Bamboo Types in Containers
Clumping bamboo – Choose compact species under 15 ft tall. Fargesia and Bambusa Dolichoclada ‘Temple Bell’ are good choices.
Running bamboo – Pot in thick rhizome barrier pots or continually prune perimeter rhizomes. Phyllostachys aureosulcata ‘Spectabilis’ stays small.
Indoor bamboo – Needs lots of light from grow lights or sunny windows. Easy varieties include Fargesia Dracocephala ‘Rufa’ and Bambusa textilis ‘Gracilis’.
Dwarf bamboo – Miniature species like Pleioblastus distichus are perfect for containers, only reaching 3-5 ft tall. Slow growing.
With the right selection, any bamboo type can thrive in a potted environment!
Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Bamboo in Containers
How long does bamboo last in pots?
Bamboo can grow happily in containers for 3-5 years typically before becoming rootbound. Large pots allow for longer periods before repotting.
What size pot for bamboo?
Use at least a 10 gallon container for one plant. Bigger is better! For multiple plants, allow 10 gallons per bamboo plant.
Should I put rocks or pebbles in the bottom of the pot?
Adding a pebble drainage layer is optional. More soil in the pot means more room for roots. Just ensure adequate drainage holes.
Can I grow bamboo in water alone?
No, bamboo plants cannot grow permanently in water. They need nutrient rich soil for healthy development and growth over time.
How do I overwinter potted bamboo?
Move pots to a sheltered spot and mulch well. Avoid exposed areas. Keep soil slightly moist. Some varieties handle cold better than others.
Enjoy the Benefits of Bamboo in Pots
Bamboo makes a lush, versatile addition to any porch, patio or indoor space when grown in containers. With the right pot, soil, and care it will thrive! Just be sure to give it room to grow, and you’ll be rewarded with vibrant plants.
Temperature and Humidity
As you may expect, lucky bamboo plants prefer warmer temperatures, ranging between 65°F and 90°F. A draft, whether hot or cold, should not be near your plant. It should not be in front of an air conditioner, heating vent, or window that lets in drafts. As long as the humidity level in your home stays about the same, your lucky bamboo plant will be fine.
Common Pests
Lucky bamboo is susceptible to the same insect problems as other indoor tropical plants. Watch for white mealybugs, green aphids, and spider mites, which can be removed by hand. You can also wash the whole plant with water and a very mild liquid dish soap, then rinse it well to get rid of bugs and moldy spots.
