How to Propagate Bamboo (Bambusoideae): The Best and Easiest Methods
There’s something about Bamboo (aka Bambusoideae for you Latin speakers), isn’t there? This mighty green plant with its slender shoots and elegant leaves is both exotic and homely. Bamboo is an incredibly sustainable and fast-growing plant that has hundreds of uses, from bed sheets to Panda food, and, of course, as a satisfyingly quick-growing and forgiving house plant.
In addition to it being a unique and visually striking plant, it’s also incredibly versatile and surprisingly easy to propagate. If I can manage it, anyone can. No green thumbs required (not even a green pinky).
The methods I’m covering here are similar, but different. Method 1 is by far the easiest, but for a more mature plant, you might consider method 2.
Contents:
Tools and Materials
Method 1: Water Propagation
Method 2: Soil Propagation
Method 3: Air Layering
FAQs
Tools and Materials
Before we start, here’s a list of things you’re going to need:
1. Healthy Bamboo Stalks: I’ll assume you already have a bamboo plant, which is why you’re here, but if not, bamboo is pretty easy to find in a garden centre. Avoid any that look a bit limp or crusty.
2. Sharp Knife or Secateurs: I use a sharp knife (the ones I sell on this site), but honestly, kitchen scissors will do it – the sharper the better. Just make sure they’re clean. Bamboo is pretty hardy, but nobody’s immune to an infection.
3. Rooting Hormone (optional): Rooting hormone is always optional, I often don’t use it, but it helps roots form more quickly.
4. Pot with Drainage Holes: Bamboo loves water, but it’s not a fan of waterlogged roots.
5. Compost or Potting Soil: For the plant to nestle into.
6. Water: Tap water will do nicely. If you want to get really fancy you could use distilled water but it’s not necessary.
I sell most of what you need for this in the little shop on this site, or you can grab what you need from around the house. Once you’ve got it all together, get cracking:
Method 1: Cuttings
This is my top pick. It’s easy, requires minimal tools, and it’s oddly satisfying. While it’s fairly hard to go wrong here, it is possible. My best advice would be to use a clean, sharp knife or scissors to give your bamboo the best chance at multiplying.
Be patient and check in often (but not so often that it becomes upsetting, since it does require some patience).
Here’s how you do it:
Step-by-Step Process:
Step 1. Find a Healthy Stalk: Choose a bamboo stalk that looks healthy (lush green, no visible signs of disease or distress). Cut a segment of the stalk, ensuring it has at least one node (the bumps/ridges along the stalk) and a few leaves.
Step 2. Prepare the Stalk: Use your sharp knife or scissors to make a horizontal cut just below the node. No need to be too gentle here, it’s a tough plant and might need some muscle to get through, depending on how thick your plant is.
Step 3 (optional). Apply Rooting Hormone: Dip the cut end of the stalk into some water and then into the rooting hormone. This isn’t essential, but it can speed up the rooting process.
Step 4. Plant the Stalk: Stick the end of the stalk into a pot filled with compost or potting soil, ensuring that the lowest node is under the soil. Give it a good watering, soak it through and leave it to drain for 10 mins or so.
Step 5. Wait Patiently: Put your pot in a bright spot, but out of direct sunlight. Keep the soil consistently moist – but remember that bamboo doesn’t like wet feet. After 2-3 months, new shoots should start to appear. If they don’t, don’t panic. Bamboo plays the long game when it’s freshly separated from its mother. As long as it’s not looking sad and like it’s unwell, everything is going okay.
Method 2: Division
Division is what it sounds like (no, not maths): the dividing of a plant.
This is arguably a better method for a more mature plant with multiple shoots that are already well formed – you might have even taken some cutting from them already (por que no los dos?).
Depending on the size of the bamboo, the division method is either a great idea, or a bad idea. If very small: terrible idea, give it chance to get bigger. Mid-size: likely a great idea. Very large: while theoretically a good option, it’s probably a terrible idea unless you have some heavy machinery and some friends to help.
Step-by-Step Process:
- Step 1. Dig up the entire plant: Use a spade or trowel to dig up the entire plant, ensuring you get most of the root system. As noted before, bamboo is tough, so don’t worry too much about damaging the roots – it’s unavoidable really – but try be careful around the base of the shoots, we don’t want to break off too much from that area.
- Step 2. Split the Plant: Split the plant into two or more sections, each with roots and shoots. If you’re working with a big plant, you can use a saw for this if needed (I’m not joking). Do your best to untangle the roots by giving them a shake and a tug, but ultimately you’ll likely need to start cutting. A sharp knife will work perfectly if the plant isn’t massive.
- Step 3. Replant the Sections: Replant each section as soon as possible – either in their own pot or straight into the ground – and water generously.
TIPS FOR CARE:
So you’ve managed to propagate your bamboo. Bravo! Now, what’s next?
- Water Regularly: Bamboo loves water, but it’s not a fish. It doesn’t like to be waterlogged. Make sure your pot drains well and keep the soil consistently moist, not drenched. Once it’s become more settled in its new home you can cool it on the watering a little.
- Feed Your Bamboo: A little plant food won’t hurt. Fertilise your bamboo once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). But remember, moderation is key, over-feeding will do more damage than under-feeding!
- Light Conditions: Bamboo likes bright light, but not direct sunlight. Find a spot that’s bright but out of the path of the harsh midday sun.
Indicators of successful propagation? If new shoots are popping up, you’re on the right track. If the leaves start to turn yellow, however, it may be a sign of too much water.
Plant: Prop’d.
And there you have it – my two recommended propagation methods for bamboo. It might seem a bit daunting at first – especially division – but as with all plant propagations, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of seeing those new shoots and leaves start to flourish. It’s worth the effort! Plus, you’ll have the added satisfaction of knowing you’ve contributed to the life cycle of these marvellous plants.
Give it a try! Get your hands dirty, make a few mistakes, and who knows? You might just end up with your very own sustainable bamboo forest.
Next up in the propagation series, I’ll be attacking a rubber plant. Another easy-to-propagate plant that’s perfect for beginners. Catch ya