Container planting bamboo? - (P.atrovaginata)

[tauheedah a-kareem]

I want to grow Phyllostachys atrovaginata in a container is this possibile? what kind of soil? what kind of light? can it be grown indoors?

[Mark Meckes]

Hi tauheedah a-kareem,
How big do you want this bamboo to grow?
Do you want to grow it as a miniature in a small container, or large size?

What size is the plant you are starting with?
For example, is it a smaller `mail-order' plant, or a big clump dug up from a grove?

Growing bamboo successfully, in a container or in the ground, depends firstly on having a healthy plant which has a well balanced ratio of rhizomes and roots, to culms (canes) and leaves.
If you are digging up a new plant, thinning of canes and removal of some leaves may be necessary to reduce transplant stress, depending on how big a hunk of earth, roots and rhizomes are attached to the canes, and how big a pot you have to fit this rootball in to.

Soil Mix -as a general rule, commercial potting mixes that provide good drainage work okay.
Most bamboos prefer slightly acidic soil
Most bamboo don't like soggy feet
Phyllostachys atrovaginata is known for being able to grow in wetter conditions. The rhizomes have tiny air canals for breathing oxygen, which makes it possible to grow this species in heavier clay-type soils, but I wouldn't recommend heavy soil for container growing, as it slows down the plant's ability to produce lots of new roots and rhizomes.

Light Phyllostachys species need lots of light, but will grow in lower light, if they aren't over-fertilized, over watered, have adequate humidity, and if the container is occasionally moved to a location with more light, to green up.
When they are growing new shoots, adequate light is important, or they will become stretched, lanky, and have floppy canes.
After the leaves and branches grow and toughen up, then the bamboo doesn't mind less light.

Hope this is some help. There are a lot of factors involved, a healthy, happy plant being the best way to start off.

cheers,
Mark