2/11/2009

By Keith Markensen

Because bamboo naturally grows in the tropics, they are used to warm weather and regular rainfall. When you bring them indoors to enjoy their beauty and simplicity, you should know how to care for them correctly to help them thrive. Growing bamboo indoors is not as difficult as you might think, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

Always remember that your bamboo plant is used to warmth and humidity. Once you bring your bamboo plant home, try placing it outside first, in a sheltered area with plenty of light and some shade. That way, it will begin to get used to the levels of light in your region. You should not fertilize your plant immediately, since most nurseries and plant stores will already have put some fertilizer in already.

How much to water your new bamboo plant will depend on the climate in your area. If your bamboo plant is located indoors and the soil typically dries out fast, water it deeply, saturating the soil to keep it from drying out. You may not need to water your bamboo plant every day; keep an eye on the soil to determine when the plant needs water. If the leaves begin to curl up, your bamboo plant needs to be watered more frequently. If the leaves are drooping, you have added too much water to the soil and should not water your bamboo plant as much.

Another way to add humidity and water is by misting your indoor bamboo plants with a spray bottle. Misting will mimic the humid conditions that your new bamboo plant is used to in the wild. You can also use a pebble tray to add water. Fill a tray with pebbles, and then saturate it with just enough water that the pebbles peek out above it. Then place your pot with bamboo on top of the pebbles, so that it does not touch the water. The water in the pebbles will evaporate into the soil of your bamboo plant.

Once your bamboo plant has been in your home for awhile, it will begin to acclimate to indoor conditions. You should still take it out to the garden regularly or add lights near the plant to mimic sunlight, because it is used to very sunny tropical conditions. Bamboo plants make beautiful additions to your home, but they should be cared for properly if you expect them to thrive.

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