How to Propagate Running Bamboo

If you already have matured bamboo plants, then you can use the cutting from the branches, culms (stems) or rhizomes (roots) to propagate a new plant. Get the latest information on how to propagate running bamboo plants.

The tips below will help you to propagate healthy running bamboo plants.

Propagate running bamboo cuttings

Running bamboo can be propagated from a stem cutting, culm cutting and also branch cutting.

Take care when separating bamboo rhizomes.

Use a hacksaw (or a pair of garden loopers) and cut at 45 degrees angle, 5 – 10 cm away from the node.  Avoid splitting them.

• The best time for propagating new bamboo cuttings is in late summer or early Spring when they reach their full growth and the new shoots are starting to grow, respectively.
• Take extra care when taking the new cuttings off an old bamboo plant to preserve the parent plant.
• Treat the new cuttings delicately for them to grow.

Check out the tips for propagating clump-forming bamboo plants here.

Q. When is the best time to propagate new bamboo plants? Late summer is the best time because the cuttings will go to sleep and germinate in spring.

How to Propagate Running Bamboo [Stem and Culm Cuttings]

Prep & tool for cutting running bamboo

The new cuttings will die if you do not put them immediately into water, or plant them in pots and containers.

It is perhaps important to have the following tools and materials available before taking the bamboo cuttings of bamboo plants.

Preparation: Tools you need to prepare bamboo cuttings

• Watering can
• Spade for shifting the soil.
• Pickaxe or garden fork for digging the rhizomes.
• Hacksaw or a pair of secateurs for cutting the culms and rhizomes.

Planting: Materials you will need to plant bamboo cuttings

• Soil
• Bark or organic materials for mulch
• Pots and containers for planting the bamboo cuttings.
• Rainwater or tapwater (avoid using chlorinated water)

How to propagate running bamboo cuttings

Separate the cuttings from the parent plant early in spring or late in summer. Take the bamboo cuttings from the rhizomes, culms or even the base of the parent plant.

• Rhizomes cuttings: Cut the rhizomes with 4 – 6 buds long, use a pair of secateurs or garden loopers. The best tip is to look for new shoots at the buds. The shots have a high chance of germinating.
• Stem cuttings: Cut the culms 5 – 10 cm away from the node. Plant them deep in rich soil, either in a container or directly in the ground.
• New culms: This is my favourite because they grow every time. Check for new culms that have a couple of branches. Carefully, dig them up and prepare them for propagation in pots.
• Water the new cuttings/plants thoroughly.
• Mulch the new bamboo plant using bark or other organic materials.

5 factors affect the growth of bamboo new cuttings

Propagating bamboo plants is a long-term affair. Take these 5 factors into consideration when growing new bamboo plants.

1. Choose the site carefully

The two bamboo plant varieties in UK gardens are tough plants. But the new plants are susceptible to the weather.

New bamboo plants grown from cuttings should be propagated in locations where there is a good amount of sunlight and away from direct wind.

2. Identify the garden feature you want

Running Bamboo plants are ideal for growing in the garden.

They have tall colourful stems, unmistakably evergreen. Winterhardy, are permanent screen all year round.

Check out the Phyllotachys bamboo that grow well in the UK in this collection which provides all the info you need to know about them.

3. Prepare the soil

Bamboos are tough plants. They can endure poor soils, but it is better to propagate the new cuttings in nutrient-rich soil topped with mulch.

If you’re propagating new bamboo in a container, use potting mix or well-sieved soils and fine sand.

4. Maintain early-stage care

The new bamboo cuttings will need the right amount of water and attention in Spring as the roots start to develop and the leaves come out.

Pay extra attention when planting the bamboo cuttings in late Spring or early Summer.

Mulching is highly recommended as it will help to retain water in soil or pots and containers ( where the cuttings are planted).

5. Monitor new bamboo growth

While the bamboo cuttings are growing, you should regularly check them for any signs of wilting, bug infestation, weeds, and lack of sunlight.

Taking good care of the new bamboo cuttings/plants will give you a 100% success rate.

Best tips for propagating running bamboo

Here are the key points for growing running bamboo plants

• New plants need some attention.
• Water generously to keep the soil moist.
• Running bamboo plants are ideal for outdoor gardens and tall screens.
• Grow cuttings in spring, use nutrient-rich soil and mulch to grow cuttings.
• New plants need constant attention. Water generously, keep the soil moist.

Important checks

The new cuttings will require care and attention when you see the signs of new leaves. So, check for the following.

• The soil remains moist, but not waterlogged. (Read about the best soil for growing bamboo)
• Check for unusual paleness on the culm and leaves, as any change in colour will reveal the condition of the cuttings.
• Move the new plants to a safer location IF the temperature drops or rises dramatically.
• Do not place them under big trees, when placing the cuttings in shades, as the falling branches will ruin your hard work.

Enjoy the growth and development of your new bamboo plants because they are amazing plants.

Check out this article on Bamboo Plants that Thrive in UK Gardens, it is an insightful take on how to identify and grow new bamboo plants.

We hope this article inspires you to grow your own Bamboo plant in the garden and enjoy the beauty of this amazing plant.

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