Bamboos For Indoors

Although it is difficult to grow bamboo indoors, it is not impossible.  Bamboo grown indoors will need the same conditions as any other house plant.  They will need well drained, nutrient rich soil, adequate humidity, proper lighting and fertilizer during growth.  Temperate bamboo, bamboo grown in areas that have a natural cold period, will behave differently indoors.  With the natural cold period eliminated, temperate bamboo can go through a period when it will start to drop its foliage.  This will likely occur as days shorten, triggering the bamboo to go into a “rest” period.  As it is resting during shorter days, water and food requirements will lower.  Cut back on water for indoor temperate bamboo as to much water will cause root rot.  Tropical bamboo, those found in warmer climates will have an easier time first adapting to being grown indoors.  Tropical bamboo will react to shortening days, but with adequate food and water they will continue growing.  Both temperate and tropical bamboo need humidity.  The best way to give houseplants humidity is to place gravel in their drainage trays and keep a little water in them.  Do not let your plants sit in water.  Regardless of whether you choose a temperate or tropical bamboo, the planter choice itself is the same.  The planter should be shorter and wider, rather than tall and narrow.  This is especially true for running types as they should have more room to spread out their roots.

Suggested bamboo plants for indoors

Variety                                                Lighting