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Bamboo is a stunning plant and one that adds a point of interest to any landscape. It can be problematic, though, if you plant a running variety. “Runners,” as they are called, spread via a horizontal network of roots to the point of becoming invasive. That is why people often will opt for clumping bamboo varieties that keep their roots to themselves.
Unfortunately, you don’t get that amazing bamboo forest affect without the running variety. Or can you? The answer is yes. You can propagate your “clumper” and plant as many clumps of bamboo as your heart desires. Think of all the wildlife you can support with a beautiful bamboo forest!
So, how do you propagate bamboo? I’ll show you how we did it with our blue timber clumping bamboo. This stunner really does turn powdery blue once it matures. Mine is only a year and a half old, so we’re not there yet but soon we will get to see the magical transition.
Supplies
You will need a few things to complete your mission. Of course, you need to have access to at least one cane of bamboo. You must have a bucket of water ready to go immediately. Rooting hormone is helpful but not an absolute.
Sharp hand pruners will do for smaller canes. My bamboo is smaller and easier to cut through, so I just used well-sharpened hand pruners.
For thicker canes I’ve heard you can use PVC cutters or a sharpened machete. I admit I haven’t tried those methods though. Just don’t use a serrated blade or you will shred the stalk.
Use a flowerpot or bucket with drainage holes and potting mix. There is some debate about what mix to use. I just use a regular potting mix which is formulated to hold moisture but not over saturate the roots. Lastly, grab some sandpaper or disposable nail files to scar the surface (that last one will make sense in a minute).
Cut the Cane
Carefully cut the cane with as clean a cut as possible. Try not to shred the outer skin of the culm (cane). I have found that if not handled carefully, they like to split and peel up or downwards. This stresses the cutting by giving it a deep wound to attempt to heal, while also trying to root out. The plant has to divide its attention between healing and rooting, making it hard to be successful at either.
Immediately, I repeat, immediately place your culm upright in the bucket of water. Do not lay it down in between. Bamboo apparently is a little testy about lying flat on the ground. It also gets cranky if you have the nerve to cut it and not give it an immediate drink of water. Found that out the hard way.
Divide the Cuttings
You know that hallmark segmentation that makes bamboo so appealing? At the end of each segment is an indented line that is called the node. The node is where the roots will develop from. You will plant this section of the cutting, but more on that later.
Take a look at this graphic (below) to see how you should be dividing your culm.
Keeping your original culm in the bucket of water, try to make nice clean cuts. Place each new cutting in the water, shorter side down. Keep your cuttings in the water until you are ready to prepare and plant each individual one.
Prepare the Cutting for Planting
Use a nail file or medium grit sandpaper to scuff the area near the node. Remember, this is where the roots will develop. Scuffing helps the rooting process by allowing moisture to absorb into the exposed inner dermis of the plant.
Encourage rooting further by sprinkling some rooting hormone on the exposed inner dermis at the node.
Plant the Cuttings
Prepare a container with well-draining potting mix. Make an indentation in the soil and insert the cutting vertically. The scarred node should be below the surface. Pack the soil tightly around the node, allowing small leafy branches to stick out.
Water Your Cuttings
It will take a few months of care for these little guys to see new growth. Water regularly, meaning, keep the soil moist but not saturated. Bamboo likes moisture but doesn’t care for soggy roots.
Try out this method and watch your bamboo forest grow! The best part about clumping bamboo is that you can control where your forest will grow. Make it as grand or understated as you wish. You can repeat these steps over and over again until you have the look you want. Happy bamboo farming!
