Home and Garden

The east has always been considered exotic. So, eastern motifs have always been of interest to anyone looking to give their house or work space a touch of the east. Laughing Buddha, eastern scripts, paper lanterns and bamboo products have intruded upon the drawing room décor lending an aura of eastern mysticism to the interior. A very common element that can symbolize everything that represents the east is the bamboo plant. Yes, the grass that grows in groves spreading its bright green color and aroma throughout the surrounding has become, in recent times, a much sought-after ornamental plant. That the bamboo plant requires relatively less maintenance than other exotic plants, and can be grown both indoors and outdoors, have added to its allure. There are different species of bamboo that you can take your pick from. Apart from the beauty and the eastern touch, you can always spend summer afternoons in its shade listening to the soft rustle that it makes as the breeze blows through the groves. However, this is only possible if your bamboo looks healthy and attractive. And to assure that, proper care is quintessential. To ensure that the bamboos become the center of attraction, you need to take care of some basic things. Read further for a few tips on caring for a bamboo plant.

Tips On Caring For Bamboo Plants

Water

Bamboos should be watered regularly. So, if you have planted bamboos, you should not depend upon rain water alone. In case you have indoor bamboo plants, make sure you have efficient water drainage facility, as the roots should be dry after watering. If the water stays in the container, then the roots may start rotting. While watering the bamboo plants, make sure that you water just right, neither more nor less than what is required. Saplings should be watered at least twice a week and in warm climes, you should water the plants four to five times a week. When bamboos do not receive enough water, their leaves curl inwards. So, depending upon the state of the soil and the plant, you should water the bamboo.

Nutrients

Bamboos require fertilizers to thrive. So, after the bamboos have been planted, it is time to apply the fertilizer. Organic fertilizer like cow manure is the best choice. Remember to use fertilizers that are high in nitrogen. Add the fertilizer when the rhizomes are developing and during the summer. Then, add the next installment during early spring or in the fall. Apply the compost in a two inch layer and also spread the mixture. Do not over fertilizer the plants.

Pruning

Bamboos generally do not require much pruning on a regular basis. You can prune the bamboos for decorativeness. To promote the growth of the younger ones, you should remove the older dried plants. This will enhance the beauty of the grove and also leave the young and healthy plants with much more nutrients. You can cut off the old plants at the soil level to remove them. This you can do once in a year. In some bamboo species, crowding the grove helps facilitate larger and faster growth. To enhance the beauty of the bamboo further, every once in a while, check for browning leaves and shoots and then remove them.

During Winter

During winter, bamboos need to be given special protection. This is because during winter the loss of moisture dries out the plants. This is why bamboos should never be planted during the winter. Bamboos should be protected from freezing winds and frosts. As such, plant them in areas where they are less likely to receive the icy blasts. You can also cover them in large cellophane sheets during harsher weather. However, this is not required if the bamboos are indoors.