- Rhizome propagation
- Multiplication by division
- Propagation of cuttings
- Propagation by sowing
- Meristem multiplication
Increase bamboo - make 2 and more out of 1
If you want several bamboo plants quickly, you have to multiply them with rhizomes or divide the root ball. These are the two simplest and most proven methods for hobby gardeners to immediately obtain full-fledged bamboo plants identical to the mother plant.
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Whether rhizome propagation or division - important in advance: start your project at the right time and with the ideal weather. Either multiply, divide or transplant the bamboo in March or in late summer. Because from April to June new stalks grow and the roots should not be disturbed. As a precaution, wear protective clothing and goggles when working.
A cloudy, humid day is recommended for multiplication, professional dividing or even narrowing down. Ideally after a rain shower when the soil is moist and loose.
Propagate bamboo with rhizomes
Bamboo plants reproduce mainly vegetatively by spreading the roots in the soil. This enables the separation of rooted pieces of rhizome, which serve as the starting material for new bamboo plants. To do this, partially dig up the bamboo or expose individual rhizomes and remove them from the bamboo. Proceed as follows:
- Remove soil from rhizomes
- Separate young bamboo branches individually
- Let the cut dry for a day
Then simply keep the bamboo tree a little moist in the loose, sandy soil and let it drift. Also works in the pot. Important: do not use peat! This one is too sour.
Multiply bamboo by dividing it
You can multiply the Fargesia garden bamboo as a clump-forming type of bamboo by dividing the root ball. Water the root ball beforehand. Then continue working in the following steps:
- Tie the plant together
- Divide the root ball several times with a sharp spade
- Immediately cover separated root pieces with moist potting soil
- plant in the prepared location
Propagate bamboo by cuttings
Only works with some tropical bamboo species when there are root systems in the axillary buds. Bamboos in temperate latitudes do not have this special bamboo property.
Propagating bamboo by seeds requires patience
Some types of bamboo only bloom every 80 to 120 years. Others bloom more often, but after the bamboo bloom they form only a few germinable seeds. The offspring that are bred often differ in growth and color from the mother plant.
Bamboo from meristem propagation
Plant tissue or meristem propagation is only possible in the laboratory. It is suitable for bamboo growers to obtain a large number of bamboo plants in the shortest possible time.
Tips & Tricks
Be careful when buying bamboo! Many bamboo plants from meristem propagation develop different properties than the mother plant. Therefore only buy when the mother plant can be viewed.
