Bamboo is a great addition to any indoor garden, and golden bamboo is no exception. This fast-growing bamboo is easy to care for and can grow up to six feet tall. In this article, we will teach you everything you need to know about growing and caring for golden bamboo indoors.
What is Golden Bamboo?
Golden bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea) is a fast-growing, long-lived indoor bamboo that is popular for its dense form and bright green color. This tropical bamboo grows best in warm climates and can reach heights of up to 6 feet, making it an ideal choice for smaller spaces. Golden bamboo prefers medium to high humidity levels and plenty of water and should be kept moist but not wet. Like most bamboo, golden bamboo needs occasional pruning to maintain its shape and growth.
How to Grow Golden Bamboo Indoors
Golden bamboo is a popular indoor plant that grows quickly and can reach heights of up to four feet. You can grow golden bamboo indoors in a pot or in a container but be prepared for it to take some time to get established.
Choose a well-drained soil mix for your golden bamboo potting mix. Fill the pot with the mixture and water it well until the soil is moist but not wet. Keep the soil moist by watering regularly during the growing season, but avoid saturating the ground.
Fertilize your golden bamboo once every two weeks with a high-phosphorus fertilizer diluted to half strength. Apply foliar feed monthly if desired.
How to Care for Golden Bamboo Indoors
It’s a hardy evergreen bamboo that’s grown for its striking yellow-green needles. Indoors, golden bamboo should be kept dry and in indirect sunlight. It needs average watering during the growing season but shouldn’t be watered again once it blooms. Golden bamboo can be propagated by rooting offsets taken from the parent plant or by cutting off healthy shoots and planting them into fresh soil.
Where Can Golden Bamboo be Found?
Golden bamboo can be found in many Asian countries, including China, Japan, and Vietnam. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. The bamboo can grow up to 60 feet tall but is typically pruned to about 18 inches so it will not take over your yard. Golden bamboo needs weekly watering and occasional fertilization.
Can You Grow Bamboo Inside?
Whether you’re looking to add some lush greenery to your home or want to cultivate a rare and delicate bamboo species, growing bamboo indoors is a great option. Here are four tips for growing golden bamboo indoors:
1. Choose the Right Planting Site
Golden bamboo grows best in full sun, though it will tolerate partial shade. It prefers moist but well-drained soil, so ensure that your planting site is appropriately prepared before adding the bamboo seedlings. Avoid planting in areas that have been disturbed recently or where there is standing water.
2. Keep the Soil Moistened
Bamboo likes humidity, but it also appreciates good drainage. Make sure to keep the soil moist throughout the growth period by watering regularly and using a moisture-retentive soil mix such as cactus soil. Excessive moisture can lead to root rot, so err on the side of caution and check on the plants every few days to make sure they’re receiving enough water.
3. Feed with a Special Bamboo Formula
Like other succulents, golden bamboo requires special fertilization in order to grow vigorously and produce rich green foliage. Apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer at least once per month during active growth periods, using something like Earth Wise’s All-Natural Bamboo Fertilizer Mix (or another formula specifically designed for bamboo). Be sure not to overfertilize―this can cause stunted growth and weaken the plant’s immune system.
4. Prune Regularly
Golden bamboo grows rapidly in the early stages, so regular pruning is essential to keep the plant in shape. Remove stems that are growing too high or becoming woody and dead or damaged branches. This will help to maintain a healthy balance and promote vigorous growth.
Conclusion
Growing and caring for golden bamboo indoors is a fun and rewarding experience. With proper care, your bamboo will grow into a beautiful, tall plant that will add beauty to your home. Though it can be a bit challenging at first, growing bamboo indoors is well worth the effort. Thanks for reading our guide on how to grow and care for golden bamboo indoors!