Page 54 - Demo

aurea), Square Bamboo (Chimonobambusa quad- rangularis), Black Bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra) and Japanese Red Bamboo (Phyllostachys iridescens). Japanese Bamboo is good to grow for bonsai or land- scape designs. Taiwan and Mainland China have both bamboo categories. America is also a country with both temperate and subtropical climate zones, where two types of bamboo can be grown well.
Simple Steps to Pot Bamboo
Bamboo, as we know, are some of the fastest- growing plants. They easily grow into large bamboo plants, but it is rather difficult to plant small bamboo into pots. However, there are a few steps to follow to ensure the planting is relatively manageable. Once you master these tactics, you will be able to appreciate elegant and high quality bamboo bonsai plants in just a short amount of time.
Potting Soil (medium):
When planting bamboo bonsai, the soil must possess the ability to retain water, while still providing porosity and free drainage. Sandy loam is the best choice, and clay loam the next, while akadama is also a solid choice. Basic nutrients and continuously
following up with nutrients are both very important to successfully planting a bamboo bonsai. As far as soil pH is concerned, slightly acidic soil is preferred.
Seedlings:
Avoid the winter time when planting bamboo, all of the other seasons are fine for young plants as long as the soil is attached. Generally speaking, March through April (spring time) is the best planting time for tropical clumping bamboo, and September and October (autumn season) are the proper time for hardy running bamboo. The methods are as follows:
Rhizome Propagation: For the running species of bamboo, their underground rhizomes can be propa- gated directly, however the culm should be no less than five nodes. By using underground rhizomes with culms one or two years old (rhizome should have at least three nodes and culms with roots) to plant into soil, be sure to place the plant under shade and main- tain moisture. Some leaves must be removed in order to prevent evaporation.
Offshoot Propagation: This method is commonly used for the tropical clumping bamboo with offshoots. Plant at least three offshoot culms with fibrous roots together into the soil, prune the roots if they are too
52 | BCI | October/November/December 2014