Page 55 - Demo

long. Keep the newly planted bamboo in a cool, shady place and properly water the plant. Remove the extra leaves.
Cutting Propagation: We may use cut bamboo culms to plant directly into the soil. Since the failure rate of this method is high, we do not suggest that beginners try this method on bamboo propagation.
Seed Propagation: For some clumping bamboo, we can directly sow the seeds into the soil. Bamboo should first develop shoots that grow into culms, and then produce roots. The bamboo seeds need to be properly cleansed (sterilization) before planting. Bamboo seeds should be immersed in a rooting hor- mone solution, (Naphthalene Acetic Acid or NAA), to facilitate rooting. Soak overnight and remove from the solution to place in a cool, dry environment during the daytime, repeat 2 to 3 times.
Air Layering Propagation: This is another propa- gation method for bamboo bonsai.
Cultivation Environment:
For the tropical clumping bamboo, the best growing environment is from seal level to an altitude of 500 meters, with an average temperature above approximately 25°C.
For hardy running bamboo, the best growing envi- ronment is 500 meters above sea level or higher, with an average temperature of about 15° to 25°C.
Both types of bamboo require an environment with good air circulation; if the circulation is poor, the plants are prone to infection by pests and diseases.
Watering:
In general, bamboo grows best with ample water, but the root is not efficient in water retention. Therefore, watering the plant is very important, espe- cially for bamboo grown in pots and containers that do not retain moisture as well as bamboo grown in the ground. As long as the soil allows for drainage, overwatering is not a concern.
If the potted plant is placed outdoors, it needs to be watered at least once a day in the winter, and twice a day in the summer. If the potted plant is placed indoors, it needs watering once every two days in the summer season, and once every three days in the winter. For indoor plants, good ventilation is the key.
In order to grow healthy and strong bamboo, it is necessary to adequately control the water content in the soil, otherwise bamboo culm will grow thin and long. Spray water on the soil to keep appropriate moisture in the pot. We can always use liquid fertilizer dissolved in water, because adding fertilizer to bamboo can allow the plant to grow vigorously and yield vibrant leaves, while keeping the moss green and lush.
Sunlight:
Essentially, bamboo is a semi-sunshine plant, but when bamboo grows new, young shoots, sufficient sunlight is important to promote new culm growth. Lacking sunlight will cause the bamboo culm to grow
slim and distorted. Usually, if the potted bamboo is placed indoors for four to five days, it ought to be moved outdoors to gain a bit of sunlight for several days. Tropical clumping bamboo needs 20% to 30% shade, temperate hardy running bamboo needs 40% to 50% shade.
Fertilization:
Potted bamboo does not need much fertilization, but an adequate amount of fertilizer will promote healthy growth and development. In the early planting period, mix a small amount of compost into the soil as basic fertilization to increase soil nutrients for the growth of the plant. Fertilizers high in nitrogen and potassium content are very well suited for top dressing application. The best time to apply fertilizer to bamboo is in spring and autumn. Summer and winter are not appropriate times.
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