Your Bamboo's First Steps

Part 1: The First 24 Hours

This is the most important stage! What you do now makes all the difference.

• Unpack Immediately: As soon as your package arrives, carefully remove all packaging. Your bamboo is eager for fresh air and light after its trip. Be gentle to avoid damaging any small buds or new roots.
• Check for Moisture: Your rhizome was packaged to stay moist. If the root ball feels dry, give it a light watering. The goal is to keep it moist, not soaking wet.
• Plant Promptly: It's best to plant as soon as possible. While you prepare the planting spot, keep the rhizome sheltered from strong wind and direct, intense sun.

Part 2: Time to Plant!

Planting in the Garden

• Sunlight: Choose a spot that gets at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight per day for the strongest growth.
• Soil: Bamboo thrives in rich soil that drains well. It is crucial that your plant does not sit in soggy ground. If you have heavy clay soil, mix in organic material like compost to improve drainage.
• Planting Steps: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Place the rhizome horizontally, about 2-4 inches deep, with any visible buds pointing up. Fill the hole, gently press down the soil, and water thoroughly to settle everything.

Planting in a Pot

• Pot Size: Bigger is better! Start with a pot that is at least 5-10 gallons. A larger pot holds more moisture and gives roots room to grow.
• Drainage is Key: Your pot MUST have drainage holes. Bamboo roots will rot if left in standing water.
• Planting Steps: Use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix—not heavy garden soil. Plant the rhizome 2-4 inches deep. Water thoroughly until you see it run out of the drainage holes.
• Important Note: Potted plants dry out much faster and need to be checked daily in summer. They are also less protected from cold in the winter.

Part 3: The First Year - Nurturing New Growth

• Watering is Everything: Keep the soil consistently moist, but never soggy. The best way to check is the finger test: stick your finger 2 inches into the soil. If it feels dry, it's time to water.
• The Magic of Mulch: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch (compost, shredded leaves) around your bamboo. This holds in moisture, protects roots, and stops weeds.
• A Gentle Start to Feeding: Wait until you see active new growth before you fertilize. Use a high-nitrogen fertilizer (like a standard lawn fertilizer, but without weed killer).

What Is Your Bamboo Telling You?