Last Updated on December 30, 2021 by Guillermina
Are you wondering (like many others) will bamboo grow indoors? Click to find out the answer to this interesting question.
Did you know that the bamboo plant holds the record as the fastest growing plant in the world? It can grow up to four feet in a single day! Amazing, isn’t it?
Bamboo is a type of fast-growing perennial originally found in tropical regions and is popular in landscaping because of its height and hardiness. Thinking of purchasing, but not sure will bamboo grow indoors? Keep reading to find out all about it.
About The Plant
Bamboo comes from a subfamily of tall treelike grasses that encompasses more than 115 genera and 1,400 species. This plant is distributed in tropical and subtropical to mild temperate regions (East and Southeast Asia as well as the islands of the Indian and Pacific oceans).
Bamboo plants are fast-growing perennials, although some species grow as much as 1 foot (30 cm) per day. Their woody ringed stems (culms) are most often hollow between the rings (nodes). They grow in branching clusters from a thick rhizome (underground stem).
Bamboo culms can reach a height of about 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) in smaller species, and larger species about 130 feet (40 meters). As for the leaves, young culms have narrow leaves that usually arise directly from the stem rings. On the other hand, mature culms often sprout horizontal leaf-bearing branches. They usually flower and produce seeds only after 12–120 years of growth. It is a very interesting fact that this only happens to them once in their lives.
Bamboo is used for various purposes. The seeds of some species are eaten as grain or cooked young shoots are eaten as vegetables. On the other hand, their leaves can be used as fodder.
Among them, the most used are the jointed stems. Bamboo is used to make planks for houses, rafts, ladders, buckets, pipes, furniture, flooring, walking sticks, fishing poles, garden stakes, and other utensils.
The Most Famous Bamboo Varieties
If you are thinking of growing indoors, opt for one (or more) of these types of bamboo houseplants.
Bamboo ventricosa (Buddha’s Belly) grows from 5 to 15 feet tall. It grows into unique, zigzagging bloated culms. It owes its name to the bulge (belly) which is a direct consequence of the level of water stress in the plant. That is, the less water, the more the plant “bellies out.”
Chimonobambusa quadrangularis (Yellow Grove), also known as Square stem bamboo. If you are looking for an upright bamboo plant with graceful leaves and yellow grooved, square tops, this species is ideal for you. It grows 8 to 10 feet and will enrich every room in which it is located.
Pseudosasa japonica (Japanese Arrow Bamboo) is adorned with a multitude of slim culms that grow tightly together and adorn this tough plant.
The most famous species of bamboo houseplant is the Golden bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea). It has green upright canes that turn to a golden color with age and sunlight exposure. Its leaves are narrow, lance-shaped, and grow in the form of clusters on short stems off of the canes.
Golden bamboo grows quite quickly when grown in the garden so planting in a pot is an ideal solution to control it. It has several varieties, including:
- Phyllostachys aurea (Flavescens Inversa)
- Phyllostachys aurea (Holochrysa)
- Phyllostachys aurea (Koi)
- Phyllostachys aurea (Takemurai)
Will Bamboo Grow Indoors?
Although traditionally considered an outdoor plant, bamboo can be grown indoors. Under good conditions, certain varieties will thrive indoors. They can even become the most interesting centerpiece in your home.
Proper Bamboo Care
Soil
Although it tolerates various soil types, it would be best to choose organic-rich soil with good drainage. You can even buy a quality commercial potting mix. It will provide your plant with everything it needs to grow successfully in a pot.
Light
Your bamboo plant will thrive if you give it plenty of sun to partial shade. It is not a fan of too much shade. Eventually, it can become a weak plant that doesn’t grow to its full potential or doesn’t develop its brilliant color.
When growing it indoors, choose the room with the brightest window and rotate the pot every week. Only in this way will you be sure that all the sides of the plant will get the required amount of light.
Water
Bamboo does not tolerate sitting in occupied water. This can ultimately lead to root rot and plant-killing. It would be ideal if the soil could always be moist. Water your bamboo plant in small amounts. Let the watering be deep enough to keep the roots moist, but not so much that the soil stays wet for days.
As a rule, the top 2-3 inches of soil should be allowed to dry before watering again. On the other hand, below a depth of 4 inches, the soil should be slightly moist at all times.
Temperature & Humidity
Although some species can survive temperatures of around 5 degrees Fahrenheit for a short time, it would be best not to expose them to such conditions. This can cause the plant to drop its leaves and eventually kill it.
Your bamboo plant will thrive best if grown in a room with a temperature between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They prefer fairly humid air but can tolerate a little dryness if you keep them well-watered.
Fertilizer
Try to feed your bamboo a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month. This will ensure the optimal amount of essential nutrients. It would be good to mix a little organic compost into the soil to encourage healthy plant growth.
How To Grow Bamboo Plants Indoors In Water
If you want to grow it in water, follow these tips for success with your plant:
- Use a layer of pebbles to stabilize the plant’s stems and keep them in place.
- It is necessary to add as much water as is enough to cover the roots.
- Try to use only distilled water. Chemicals from tap water can cause the green tips of the leaves to burn and turn brown.
- Choose a clear container, as it will make it easier for you to see the water level.
To Wrap Things Up
The final answer to will bamboo grow indoors question is yes! It can be successfully and beautifully grown indoors. It is only important to ensure good conditions for progress. Provide it with adequate light, humidity, moving fresh air, and ultimately with your attention, and success is guaranteed.
We hope you find these tips for growing bamboo indoors useful. Do you have any ideas or tips? Write to us in the comments below, we are waiting for you!
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