Running vs. Clumping: Which is Right for You?
This is the most important decision for any bamboo grower. Choosing the right type of bamboo from the start will save you time and effort, ensuring you get the results you want without any surprises. Let's break down the key differences.
Running Bamboo (Leptomorphic)
Running bamboos, like the Phyllostachys genus we sell, are famous for their ability to create dense privacy screens quickly. Their root system, called rhizomes, grows horizontally underground and can travel long distances before sending up new shoots (culms).
- Best For: Fast privacy screens, large open areas, groves, and timber production.
- Growth Habit: Spreads aggressively. New shoots can appear many feet away from the parent plant.
- Containment: Because they spread, running bamboos require a root barrier (a thick plastic sheet buried 24-30 inches deep) to keep them contained in a specific area. This is a crucial step for responsible planting in suburban environments.
Clumping Bamboo (Pachymorphic)
Clumping bamboos have a very different root structure. Their rhizomes are short, thick, and U-shaped, causing new culms to grow very close to the existing ones. The plant expands slowly and predictably outwards from the center, much like an ornamental grass.
- Best For: Smaller gardens, specimen plantings, container gardening, and situations where you don't want any spreading.
- Growth Habit: Forms a tight, circular clump that gradually increases in diameter each year.
- Containment: No root barrier is needed! A clumping bamboo will not take over your yard or your neighbor's. You just need to allocate enough space for its mature footprint.
The Bottom Line:
If you need a fast, dense screen and are prepared to install a root barrier, running bamboo is an excellent choice. If you want a well-behaved, non-invasive plant for a specific spot, choose clumping bamboo.
The Ultimate Guide to Growing Bamboo in Pots
Growing bamboo in containers is a fantastic way to create a portable privacy screen, add a touch of green to a patio, or control the growth of a running variety. Success is easy if you follow a few key principles.
Choosing the Right Pot
The bigger, the better. A larger pot holds more soil, which means more moisture and nutrients for your plant. We recommend starting with a pot that is at least 15-20 gallons in size. A wide, shallow pot is often better than a tall, narrow one. Make sure it has plenty of drainage holes!
The Best Soil Mix
Do not use soil from your garden, as it will compact and drain poorly. Use a high-quality commercial potting mix. For even better results, create your own mix by combining:
- 50% Potting Mix
- 20% Peat Moss or Coco Coir (for moisture retention)
- 30% Perlite or Small Pine Bark (for drainage)
Watering and Feeding
Potted plants dry out much faster than those in the ground. In the heat of summer, you may need to water every day. Always check the soil first. Feed your container bamboo with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring. A liquid fertilizer applied every few weeks during the growing season also works well.
Repotting is a Must
Every 2-4 years, your bamboo will likely become root-bound. You'll need to remove the plant, divide the root ball with a saw or sharp spade, and repot a section of it with fresh soil. This is a great way to get more plants!
Why Isn't My Bamboo Sprouting? A Guide to Dormancy
You've planted your new bamboo rhizome, you're watering it, and... nothing is happening. Don't panic! This is one of the most common concerns for new bamboo growers, and the answer is usually simple: your plant is busy doing important work underground.
The First Year Rule: Sleep, Creep, Leap
Bamboo follows a well-known three-year establishment pattern:
- Year 1 (Sleep): The plant focuses almost all of its energy on developing a strong root system. You may see very little or no new top growth. This is completely normal.
- Year 2 (Creep): With a solid root foundation, the plant will start to send up a few new, small shoots. You'll begin to see the plant expand.
- Year 3 (Leap): This is the year the magic happens! With a fully established root system, the plant will send up numerous, full-sized culms, and you'll see the explosive growth bamboo is famous for.
What to Do While You Wait
The key is patience and consistent care. Even if you don't see anything happening above ground, continue to provide the essentials:
- Consistent Moisture: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. This is the most critical factor for root development.
- Mulch: A good layer of mulch will protect the developing rhizomes and retain soil moisture.
- Sunlight: Ensure the planting area is getting adequate sun to fuel the underground growth.
How to Check if it's Still Alive
If you're really concerned, you can gently scratch the surface of the rhizome with your fingernail. If you see green or white fleshy material, it's alive and well. If it's brown, dry, and hollow, it may not have survived.
