Running bamboo has thick canes spaced at regular intervals, much like the stereotypical image of bamboo. Clumping bamboo has thinner canes, a bush-like appearance, and its canes appear to sprout from the same, or nearly the same, location in the ground. Running bamboo makes for a better screen when planted. Unlike clumping bamboo, which has drooping top segments and a narrow base, runners naturally form a screen with straight, vertical stalks. [1] X Research source
Spread your mulch carefully around young stalks and newly emerging bamboo. Too much mulch can damage the plant or make it difficult to grow. You can spread mulch freely around the stalks of heartier, more established plants. Leave about an inch (2. 5 cm) of free space around your stalks so the roots receive enough airflow.
When trimming, you should prioritize branches that look dead, sick, or weak. Most bamboo can be pruned without fear of harming the plant, so you should trim freely to achieve the look you desire in your bamboo. [6] X Research source
Build an underground barrier 30 inches (76. 2 cm) deep and 2. 4 inches (6. 1 cm) thick around your bamboo to prevent unwanted root spreading. [8] X Research source Set a boundary for the roots of your bamboo plant and then dig a narrow trench on that boundary about 1 foot (. 3 m) deep. Trim or sever any roots that you find in this trench, and check it regularly for new root growths. Trimming the roots of your running bamboo will not harm the plant. These roots can usually be found roughly 5 inches (12. 7 cm) deep in the soil.
You’ll be able to tell if your bamboo is not receiving enough water by the curl of its leaves. If you notice leaf curl, continue your watering schedule, adding water in small increments until the leaves relax. Some types of bamboo will also suffer from leaf curl in overly sunny environments. If you add water to your routine and notice no difference in the leaf curl, this could be an indication your plants are getting too much sun.
You should add high nitrogen fertilizer or compost to the soil surrounding your bamboo in early spring and summer. This will ensure your plants have the nutrients needed for their active growing seasons. You might want to consider using grass/lawn fertilizer for your bamboo plants. This is widely available at home and gardening stores, and will provide your bamboo with the food it needs. [10] X Research source
When cutting the healthy parts of your bamboo, try to include two or three leaf-nodes per section. These nodes can be found by looking for a thickening of the stalk. In some cases, these will have offshoots. Remove leaves from the cuttings before transplanting. Cover the cuttings with a plastic bag, keep the soil moist, and put the pot in a warm location. [11] X Research source
Use distilled water or collected rainwater for your plants for cases of fluoride burn. You might leave a bucket or kiddie pool outside to catch rainwater, or you could build a rainwater collection system.
You can also eliminate this problem by misting your bamboo or dusting the leaves with art brushes. [13] X Research source
