Bamboo plants are perennials which grow from rhizomes -- underground growths that form buds and culms. Propagating bamboo involves separating rhizomes from parent plants before they begin to sprout new growth in the spring. Two common types of bamboo can be propagated: running and clumping. Running and clumping bamboo have to be propagated differently because they grow differently. Rhizomes of running bamboo spread out, while clumping bamboo stays together in thick, tight clumps.
Propagate running bamboo in early spring on a cool, wind-free day, before new culms sprout. Dig around the edge of the bamboo with a trowel to see if there are new buds and rhizomes.
Select sections of rhizomes that have at least two to four culms with buds and two nodes. Cut the rhizomes from the parent plant with long-handed loppers or a saw.
Cover the base of the parent plant with soil immediately. Cut back the culms to at least one-third of their height. Plant the rhizome at the same depth as the parent plant in rich, organic soil in a container or in the ground.
Water the parent plant and rhizome thoroughly. Mulch the plants with 2 inches of bark or organic material, then stake the culms.
Propagate clumping bamboo in spring on a cool, wind-free day, before new culms sprout. Dig around the edge of the bamboo with a trowel to expose the bottom of the clump.
Lift the smallest clumps out carefully, looking on the outside of the clumps for bulges of growths that have at least three or four culms and rhizomes with buds. Select a piece of the clump that has strong shoots, roots and buds.
Cut the piece away from the parent plant with a sharp spade or pruning saw. Pull up the entire culm with the rhizomes, then divide the piece, so that each piece have roots and approximately four buds.
Cover the base of the parent plant with soil immediately. Prune culms to about one-third of their original size. Plant the rhizomes at the same depth as the parent plants in a container or in rich, organic soil in the ground.
Water the parent plant and rhizomes thoroughly. Mulch the plants with 2 inches of bark or organic material, then stake the culms.
Things You Will Need
- Long-handed loppers
- Pruning saw
- Never dig up or divide bamboo that has new growth.
- Do not propagate when the temperature is cooler than 40 degrees.
- Do not let the cuttings dry.
- Some species of running bamboo are invasive.
- Pat Welsh's Southern California Organic Gardening; Pat Welsh
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