How to Grow Black Bamboo
Phyllostachys nigra, or most commonly known as black bamboo or black stem bamboo, is considered the most beautiful and exotic of all bamboo. Renowned for its vibrant green foliage, juxtaposed against luminous, ink-black culms (stems), this easy to grow plant is highly adaptable, drought tolerant and disease resistant. The initial planting is a snap and only minimal supplies are needed.
Things you wll need:
- Black bamboo root ball
- Shovel
- Fertilizer
- Organic matter
- Mulch
- Water
- Soil
- Choose an area for your black bamboo. The area should have adequate drainage and have full, direct sunlight or partial shade. Even though black bamboo is considered a less invasive running bamboo than other bamboo species, it still displays some running tendancies. This type of bamboo has long roots which grow horizontally and will spread out of control, so give it plenty of space from other plants.
- Use your shovel to dig a hole about two to three times the size of the root ball.
- Make a "soil cocktail" with your soil, fertilizer and organic matter. Organic matter is essential for plant growth in that it provides soil with vital nutrients and improves soil structure. Depending on preference, you can use compost, animal manure, green manure or a varied combination of the three for your soil organic matter.
- Plant your root ball to where the old soil line is and then water it thoroughly.
- Add a layer of mulch, approximately two to four inches deep to help keep weeds at a minimum.
- Water your plant every other day for 10 to 14 days. Afterwards, make sure that it always has adequate moisture and sunlight, and give it fertilizer at the start of every new growth. This small bit of maintenance is all that is needed for your black bamboo plant to grow and thrive.