Things You Should Know In Nurturing A Temple Bamboo

By Elaine Guthrie


Bamboos are commonly used as wall or a hedge in Asian gardens. Its majestic upright features promote a private and peaceful effect making it a must have in such sanctuary. Sustaining the beauty of these evergreens however can be tasking. Its growth should be frequently monitored to avoid its wild spread. Take the temple bamboo for example. Its roots can spread 5 feet from its original area thus it can affect the health of the other plants in the area.

Installing a 3-inch high barrier from the ground is ideal for these runners. One can use plastic or concrete for this purpose. Dig trenches around the barrier for additional control. Remove new shoots or canes that would overlap this enclosure. Note that uncontrolled bamboos can kill other plants in the garden thus you have to do this prior to planting it.

Planting these giants in containers is also effective in controlling those roots. Select a container according to the root ball of the plant. Tall varieties normally demands bigger pots. Approach a local garden supplier to select the right size for your chosen variety.

You can use any type of pot for these perennials. However terracotta pots are best used for these charmers. It retains moisture better than metal and drain excess water better than plastic. Such qualities enable bamboo roots to breathe even in humid weather. Do not expose these containers in direct sunlight particularly during summer. It tends to evaporate water faster that is detrimental for the evergreen. Cracks on these containers are indication that you need to repot immediately. Surely you do not want the roots to destroy it.

Such decorative perennials are best grown in loamy soil. This type of soil provides a good drainage system allowing the bamboos to have healthier roots. These plants need moisture to survive thus it needs frequent watering especially during dry season. Including mulch is highly recommended if you decide to use another soil type. Collect dry leaves at the base of your bamboo to attain the same effect.

Manure is highly recommended in nurturing these evergreens. It contains ample amount of nitrogen responsible in growing better shoots and increasing foliage production. Chemical fertilizers can also be helpful. Just do not forget to ask experts of its proper dosage. Surely you do not want to overdo it.

Prune these hardy plants during fall or late summer. Such practice will produce healthier shoots. Use sharp saws or pruners to avoid rot stubs. Horizontally cut above the cane node to achieve a clean cut. Note that once it is removed a culm it will never grow back. However expect new shoots to appear on the sides.

Quarantine the whole plant once white spots on its leaves become eminent. This is an indication of mite invasion. Although it will not obstruct the plants growth, these mites can still ruin the look of your plant. Spraying it with pesticide is helpful. However you may want to bath its canes with hot water and organic soap first before using a chemical base product. This is also effective in eliminating the unwanted guest. If symptoms persist, completely eradicate the whole plant. Prevention is still better than cure. Surely you would rather lose one plant than an entire garden.




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