Bamboo bonsai is one of the most intriguing bonsais to grow.
Because its culms (canes) are rigid and can’t be wired or bent, you can’t style it like other bonsais, but you can create a forest-like look by planting several bamboos close together.
There are roughly 1,400 to 1,700 species of bamboo worldwide, growing in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions.
Because of their rapid growth, only a few bamboo species are suitable for bonsai:
- Bambusa ventricosa (Buddha Belly Bamboo)
- Bambusa multiplex ‘Tiny Fern’: a dwarf cultivar of hedge bamboo that grows up to about 90 cm (3 ft), highly recommended for beginners.
- Pleioblastus fortunei (Dwarf Whitestripe Bamboo): a low-growing species with narrow green leaves striped with creamy white, which may turn yellowish in the fall. In the ground it spreads by rhizomes, so a pot keeps it under control.
- Pseudosasa owatarii (Dwarf Bamboo): an excellent option for bonsai that is also very cold-hardy, down to about −18°C (0°F).
- Bambusa guangxiensis (Chinese Dwarf Bamboo): has dark green leaves that keep their color year-round. Despite the name, it usually reaches 3 to 5 m (10 to 16 ft) in the ground, but in a pot and with regular pruning, it stays small. Bonsais of this species prefer warmer climates.
In addition to these species, there are also two well-known plants called bamboo bonsais that, in reality, are not bamboo:
- The lucky bamboo is Dracaena sanderiana.
- The heavenly bamboo is a shrub called Nandina domestica.
In this article, you will learn more about how to grow these bamboo bonsais and their characteristics.
How to grow a bamboo bonsai
First, let me explain a bit more about growing bonsais that are truly made with bamboo species.
Then, you’ll learn more about lucky bamboo and heavenly bamboo.
Where to grow your bamboo bonsai
If you live in a tropical climate where the cold is not extreme, it’s ideal to grow your bamboo bonsai outdoors throughout the year.
Other crucial aspects are the lighting and humidity you provide for your bamboo.
These plants thrive in high humidity and ample light, so make sure the location where you place your bonsai has these characteristics.
Tip: some plants can increase air humidity. Check out these plants that naturally increase humidity.
If you’re in an area with harsh winters, you might need to bring your bamboo bonsai indoors during these periods, but remember to offer good lighting and humidity.
How to water
Bamboo bonsai grows rapidly and needs more frequent watering compared to most bonsais.
Water your bonsai generously when the soil becomes dry.
After watering, the soil should be moist but never waterlogged.
Keep in mind that watering frequency can vary due to factors such as:
- Time of year
- Climate
- Pot size
Ideal temperature
The ideal temperature for this type of bonsai can vary based on the species you grow.
Most species thrive in tropical climates and slightly higher temperatures.
However, some species tolerate much colder climates. Some examples:
- Pseudosasa owatarii: withstands temperatures down to about −18°C (0°F).
- Bambusa guangxiensis: tolerates only light frost, down to about −2°C (28°F).
Therefore, seek more information about the specific species you’re growing.
How to fertilize
Bamboo is a fast-growing plant, and when growing it as a bonsai, we don’t want to stimulate its growth excessively.
Hence, fertilization, despite being essential, should be done moderately.
Apply a balanced fertilizer to your bamboo bonsai only during its growing season, which spans from spring to the end of fall.
Remember to follow the instructions on your fertilizer’s packaging.
Pruning
Frequent pruning is necessary to keep your bamboo bonsai at the right size.
Here are some tips that might help:
- Prune during the growing period (spring/summer).
- Use proper pruning tools and make sure they’re sterilized.
- Begin by removing dead or diseased leaves and branches.
- Then, trim overgrown branches, leaving the buds.
- Root pruning should also be done regularly.
Repotting
Repotting is a necessary step to sustain the health and development of your bamboo bonsai.
To determine if it’s time to repot your bonsai, check if the bamboo’s roots are coming out of the pot. Typically, this occurs every 1 or 2 years due to the rapid root growth of this plant.
Repotting should be done during the bamboo’s growing period (spring/summer).
Remember: it’s normal for the bamboo bonsai to lose some leaves after repotting. If the leaves keep falling, read the article on yellowing or falling leaves in bonsais.
Lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Let’s begin with the most common one, lucky bamboo or Dracaena sanderiana.
Despite being called a bamboo bonsai, this plant is not a bamboo. And although many people think it comes from China, it is native to tropical Central Africa.
It is very resilient and easy to grow, making it an excellent choice for beginner growers.
Lucky bamboo got its name because many believe it brings luck to its owners.
Before deciding to grow this plant, pay attention: it is toxic to cats and dogs.
To grow this plant, follow the advice below:
- Keep it between 16°C and 24°C (60°F and 75°F), and never below 10°C (50°F).
- Trim stalks or offshoots that get too tall just above a node (you can root the cuttings in water).
- This species thrives when planted in soil but can also be grown in water.
- If you grow it in water, change the water regularly and avoid tap water with a lot of chlorine or fluoride.
- Provide indirect lighting.
Heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica)
Heavenly bamboo or sacred bamboo is a shrub whose true name is Nandina domestica. It can exceed 2.4 m (8 ft) in the ground, though dwarf cultivars stay much smaller.
This plant is native to East Asia and India and has some very interesting characteristics.
First among them are its leaves, which change color throughout the year:
- New growth: red, bronze, or pink
- Summer: green
- Fall and winter: red to purple
Before deciding to grow this plant, you should be aware that its leaves and berries are toxic to animals. The berries contain cyanide compounds and can even kill birds.
Therefore, if you have cats, dogs, horses, goats, or other animals (especially grazing animals), choose another plant to grow.
Also pay attention: nandina is considered invasive in the Southeastern United States, because birds spread its seeds. If you live in this region, choose cultivars that produce few or no berries, such as ‘Fire Power’ and ‘Gulf Stream’.
If you choose to grow this plant, you can follow the advice below:
- Provide plenty of warmth and sunlight; it thrives in full sun outdoors.
- Water when the top of the soil starts to dry (in hot weather, this may be daily).
- Fertilize moderately in spring and summer, following the package instructions.
- Repot in spring, removing excessively large roots.
- Plant it in well-draining soil.
Growing this plant can be highly rewarding, especially for beginners.
Conclusion
I hope that with this article, you’ve gained a better understanding of bamboo bonsais.
And if you want to learn more about bonsais, explore the articles below:
- Main Problems in Bonsais – Yellowing, Drying, Falling Leaves
- Pests and Diseases in Bonsai: Identification and Combat
- Orange Bonsai – How to Easily Cultivate and Care For
- Pomegranate Bonsai – How to Care in 6 Simple Steps
- Jabuticaba Bonsai – Care to Have Fruits
- Boxwood Bonsai (Buxus) – Step-by-Step Care Guide
- Lemon Bonsai – Discover How to Easily Cultivate Them
- Mulberry Bonsai – How to Care in 7 Steps
Sources: Kew (GrassBase and Plants of the World Online), NC State Extension, and Clemson Cooperative Extension.
If you enjoyed this article, please share it on your social media by clicking the icons below.
