One of the few bamboo species that can grow indoors is golden bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea). Most bamboos need a lot of sunlight and humidity to thrive, which makes it difficult to grow them indoors. Many mistake the "lucky bamboo" plant (Dracaena species), a smaller plant that resembles bamboo and grows in water, for an easy-to-grow indoor bamboo plant.
There are more than a thousand species of bamboo, some of which grow to a height of 50 feet or more in the wild. A bamboo with upright, bright green canes that turn golden with age and sunlight is known as golden bamboo. Its lance-shaped, narrow leaves grow in clusters on short cane stems.
Golden bamboo spreads easily and grows quickly. Although you can usually plant it indoors at any time of year, it is best planted in the spring or early fall. Potted golden bamboo is easier to handle. It will not grow much indoors and it typically reaches a height of 5 to 8 feet.
Is It Possible to Grow Golden Bamboo Indoors?
Although bamboo is difficult to grow indoors, this golden bamboo can be grown indoors. Bamboo requires a strong container, lots of light, and humidity to grow well indoors. For bamboo to flourish, it requires at least six hours of light.
- Place bamboo in the window with the most sunlight. Depending on the variety, it can reach up to 8 feet in height; less light typically results in slower and less robust growth.
- Other popular types that are grown indoors in containers are Pseudosasa japonica (arrow bamboo) and Pleioblastus viridistriatus (dwarf green stripe bamboo).
- Although it can reach a height of 4 feet, dwarf green stripe bamboo typically only reaches 2.5 feet indoors.
- Compared to most bamboo species, arrow bamboo grows taller, thrives in shade, and can tolerate full sun.
How to Grow Golden Bamboo Indoor?
When growing bamboo indoors, the majority of plant maintenance will consist of routine feeding and watering. Bamboo prefers a certain amount of moisture in the soil, so you may need to water your container plant more than once a week. However, you should have little trouble establishing a consistent care schedule, particularly for an indoor plant where the climate remains constant.
Sunlight
Bamboo
grows best outside in areas that receive full sun to partial shade. When
indoors, place your bamboo near the brightest window for natural light, and
turn the pot once a week to make sure the plant receives light on all sides.
Bamboo will become weak and not reach its full potential or develop its vibrant
color if it is overly shaded. If it's in a sunny window, it shouldn't require
artificial or additional lighting.
Humidity and Temperature
- The cold tolerance of golden bamboo is well known. For a brief period, it can withstand temperatures as low as -15°C. Long-term cold temperatures, however, may kill the plant by causing it to lose its leaves.
- The ideal room temperature range for the plant is between 15 to 26°C. Keep it away from the heater and air conditioner vents.
- The plant may become weakened by the cold drafts from air conditioners or drying heater vents. Although they prefer humid air, these plants can tolerate dry indoor conditions with proper watering. For optimal growth, most bamboos require a 50% humidity level.
Watering
The soil should ideally be uniformly moist for the plant. Put a finger or two into the soil to test it, and water it whenever it feels dry. Keep the soil from drying out entirely. However, reduce watering a little bit during the winter.
The fertilizer
Feed your bamboo a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month to keep the soil of your container plant nutrient-rich. To encourage healthy plant growth, it can also be beneficial to incorporate some organic compost into the soil, particularly in the spring.
Maintenance and Pruning
Bamboo usually doesn't need to be pruned. If old canes start to look ugly, you can cut them off at the base. To restrict the growth and spread of your plant, remove new shoots as they emerge from the ground.
Size of the Container
Bamboo can splinter through terracotta or plastic, so think about purchasing a
metal or hardwood container with lots of drainage holes. Select a pot that is
heavy enough to support the weight of the bamboo canes.
To get started, you'll need a container that is at least 10 gallons. If you don't want to repot it every year, use a 20- to 30-gallon pot. Bamboo prefers a pot that is wider than deep because it often sends runners. Bamboo species that clump together thrive in containers of uniform size.
Soil for Potting and Drainage
Although it can grow in a variety of soil types, this plant prefers soil that is rich in organic matter and has adequate drainage. Soggy soil is not to its liking. For container plants, a commercial potting mix or a peat moss and perlite mixture should work well.
Golden Bamboo Potting and Repotting
You can use a pot that is 12 inches deep and wide if you are starting with a
small nursery bamboo plant. To support the weight of the plant, you can place
gravel or rocks in the pot's bottom. After placing the root ball in the pot,
cover it with a loose potting mix that is high in nutrients. Compost can be
added to promote growth. Next, give the bamboo plenty of water.
Your plant will not receive enough nutrients to stay healthy if it is kept in a pot that is too small for an extended period. Although an indoor plant can usually be repotted at any time of year, the best time to do so is usually at the beginning of the growing season, in the spring, when the plant is in full bloom.
Golden Bamboo Can Be Moved Outside for the Summer
Since bamboo grows best outside, it can be moved outside during the warmer months.
Things to Think About
- Golden bamboo can reach heights of more than 20 feet, so you might not want your plant to grow much taller than your ceilings can support. Overgrowth is a risk because outdoor conditions are more nearly ideal.
- Bamboo should be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions if you plan to move it outside. The plant may be stressed by the temperature swings and the stronger sun. Bring it outside only when the temperature is consistently between 15-26 C, just like it is indoors.
- Bring the plant outside for one to two hours at a time for a week to acclimate it or harden it off. Then, the following week, gradually increase the amount of time by three to four hours.
- For the first few weeks, start the plant in a spot that receives some sunlight. During the first few weeks of being outside, the plant may not be able to withstand full sun. To accommodate rainy outdoor days, make sure your plant has plenty of drainage holes and well-draining soil because it dislikes soggy soil.
When to Bring Golden Bamboo Back Indoors:
FAQ
What is the lifespan of indoor bamboo?
While individual bamboo plants typically have a lifespan of 7 to 10 years, bamboo can last up to 100 years when placed outdoors. Every year, bamboo stands sprout new growth, giving the impression that bamboo plants never die. Golden bamboo plants usually don't last more than ten years because it's difficult to replicate their natural habitat indoors.
Which Phyllostachys aurea bamboo varieties are most popular?
Excessive sunlight or salty or fluoridated tap water are the most frequent causes of yellowing leaves. Use filtered water and limit your exposure to the sun.
Does bamboo have flowers?
Although the spacing between the nearly dozen blooms varies by species or type, bamboo does indeed bloom with 2-inch spikelets. Certain types of bamboo will bloom every year, while others won't for more than a century. When it does bloom, golden bamboo may take decades. It is extremely unlikely that golden bamboo will bloom indoors.
