How to grow Bambusa multiplex? Detailed guide to cultivation methods and precautions

Bambusa multiplex

Cultivation methods for Bambusa multiplex

In gardens, transplanting mother bamboos (division of clumps for planting) is mainly used, and burying clumps, burying culms and burying nodes can also be used for propagation.

1. Timing:

Cultivation is suitable in March, when the sprouting rate of mother bamboos is high and they are easiest to establish;

2. Selecting mother plants:

Choose mother plants that grow robustly, are free of pests and diseases, have plump bud eyes on the culms and well-developed fibrous roots; bamboo age of one to two years is best;

3. Treating mother plants:

Plant them promptly; if long-distance transport is needed, first place them in a cool, wind-sheltered spot, water them to keep them moist, and handle them properly when packing to prevent damage to the root eyes and shaking off of the original soil;

4. Planting method:

Apply sufficient base fertilizer before planting to ensure adequate nutrition. Choose acidic, slightly acidic or neutral soft fine soil, first fill it into the bottom of the hole, then apply decomposed stable manure, mix it evenly with the topsoil, place the mother bamboo in, cover with soil in layers and press it firm; the covering soil should be about 2cm-3cm deeper than the soil the mother bamboo was originally growing in;

5. Watering after planting:

After planting, water thoroughly to settle the roots; the first watering must be thorough, then reduce the amount appropriately afterwards, just keeping it moist with intervals of drying.

Care methods for Bambusa multiplex

Watering requirements:

Bambusa multiplex likes moisture. If the potting soil lacks water, the bamboo leaves will curl, and this is when it should be watered; after watering, the bamboo leaves will unfold. Generally in summer, water once every 1-2 days on average; in winter water less, but ensure the potting soil stays moist to prevent "dry freezing."

Fertilizing requirements:

During the growing period of Bambusa multiplex, apply liquid fertilizer once about every 20 days. Organic fertilizer is mainly used, such as decomposed diluted soybean cake water or compound liquid fertilizer; fertilizing should stop in winter.

Environmental requirements:

Bambusa multiplex likes a cool, shady environment; in summer it should be moved to a shady spot to avoid direct sun exposure. Bambusa multiplex is not cold-tolerant, so in winter it needs to be placed indoors, with water controlled, and the indoor temperature should be kept above 10°C.

Key points for repotting:

Bambusa multiplex is generally repotted once every 2 years. Bambusa multiplex likes acidic, slightly acidic or neutral soil; the potting mix for containers is made by mixing 1 part leaf mold, 0.5 part garden soil, and a small amount of river sand and rice hull ash, etc. Heavy, sticky and alkaline soils are taboo.

Pruning principles:

Bambusa multiplex bonsai emphasizes posture and spirit; the branches and culms must have both upright and drooping forms, be well spaced with a sense of density, and vary in height. During vigorous growth, too many culms create a dense, stifling feeling that affects the overall ornamental effect of the bonsai, so overly dense culms should be thinned according to growth conditions, and weak-growing culms should also be cut off.

Precautions

1. Bambusa multiplex fears waterlogging; apart from the first thorough watering, afterwards it is enough to keep the potting soil moist, otherwise the rhizomes and roots are prone to rot.

2. When Bambusa multiplex grows vigorously, small shoots keep emerging and there are many branches. To maintain balanced growth and a beautiful plant shape, old branches as well as unnecessary young branches and leaves should be cut off promptly.

3. When Bambusa multiplex suffers from leaf blight and rust, 65% zineb wettable powder at 2000 times dilution can be used to control rust; when scale insects and aphids cause damage, 40% omethoate emulsifiable concentrate at 1500 times dilution can be sprayed to kill them.

Propagation methods for Bambusa multiplex

Bambusa multiplex can be propagated by division, cuttings and sowing. Because seeds are not easy to obtain and cuttings are relatively difficult to root, division is the main propagation method.

Division propagation

For division propagation in February to March, select robust 1-2 year old mother bamboos, dig out the mother bamboo together with the underground rhizome and soil, separate the bamboo clumps, with 3-5 culms per clump, and plant them separately with soil.

When planting, fill part of the hole with vegetable garden soil, pour in clear water, stir vigorously to make it into mud slurry, then insert the divided bamboo seedlings into the mud slurry, then fill with soil and firm it down, and build a mound of soil around the planted bamboo that is low in the middle and high outside, to facilitate later water management. Division propagation of Bambusa multiplex has a high survival rate and fast development, and is currently the main method for propagating Bambusa multiplex.

Cutting propagation

For cutting propagation from April to September each year, carry it out during the growing period in combination with pruning. Select the top shoots with buds and leaves from the branches cut off during pruning, keep 10-15cm as cuttings, insert them into a sand bed to a depth of 1/3-1/2, water thoroughly, and set up an arched frame for warmth and moisture retention. The time for cuttings to root varies with the season, generally ranging from 30-60 days; in the plum rain season they establish in about 30 days, while in autumn in September they often need 50-60 days before establishing. Once the cuttings sprout new leaves and are confirmed to have established, they can be transplanted.

Cultivation methods and precautions for Bambusa multiplex

 Bambusa multiplex has an elegant posture, is green all year round, and its leaf shape is also very beautiful. It is one of the most common foliage plants in daily life. Many people pair Bambusa multiplex with stones and place them in living rooms and studies. But some people always fail to grow Bambusa multiplex well. Today I will specifically talk about the cultivation methods for Bambusa multiplex and what needs attention when growing it. Those of you who like Bambusa multiplex can take a good look.

1. Soil needs of Bambusa multiplex

Bambusa multiplex likes acidic soil; when growing it normally, slightly acidic or neutral soil should be chosen. You can choose leaf mold, garden soil and river sand mixed in a 1:1:1 ratio. When preparing the potting soil, heavy, sticky and alkaline soils are taboo.

2. Sunlight needs of Bambusa multiplex

Bambusa multiplex is a plant that particularly likes light. When grown indoors, in spring, summer and autumn it can be placed on a sunny windowsill, and in winter it should especially be placed in a spot with ample sunlight. Only by providing Bambusa multiplex with enough sunlight can it grow vigorously.

3. Water and fertilizer requirements of Bambusa multiplex

When growing Bambusa multiplex, water and fertilizer are also very important. During its growing period, watering must be moderate; it is enough to keep the potting soil moist. In addition, in dry weather seasons, clear water should be sprayed on the leaf surfaces. Also, during the growing period, Bambusa multiplex should be top-dressed once about every twenty days, and the topdressing should use highly effective organic fertilizer or compound liquid fertilizer.

How to grow Bambusa multiplex, cultivation methods and precautions for Bambusa multiplex

Bambusa multiplex has a beautiful clump form and slender branches, with very high ornamental value. Today I will share with everyone how to grow Bambusa multiplex, and its cultivation methods and precautions.

Potted Bambusa multiplex is suitable for decorating halls, offices or conference rooms and other places, elegant and beautiful. Small potted plants, used to accent home bedrooms and studies, are small and exquisite, extremely lovely. It relatively prefers a warm and humid climate, likes light and is also fairly shade-tolerant, not cold-tolerant, and in winter the temperature should not fall below 5°C. The soil should preferably be loose, fertile loam with good drainage. Below is a detailed introduction to how to grow Bambusa multiplex:

1. Soil selection for growing Bambusa multiplex

For potted Bambusa multiplex, the potting soil is more suitable if made by mixing fertile, loose leaf mold rich in humus, ripened garden topsoil from vegetable plots, and an appropriate amount of sandy soil. Line the bottom of the pot with a layer of coarse sand, then apply decomposed cake fertilizer crumbs as base fertilizer; good water permeability is what benefits the development of the rhizomes and the growth of branches and leaves.

2. Fertilizing methods for growing Bambusa multiplex

Bambusa multiplex also needs fertilizing, especially for large-scale courtyard cultivation, where base fertilizer must be applied well. When planting, stable manure, bone meal, farmyard manure and pond mud can be mixed and filled into the bottom of the pot or used to mound the roots in autumn and winter. This not only increases the effective fertility and ground temperature of the soil, but is also very beneficial to new bamboo shoots. For Bambusa multiplex bonsai, during the growing season quick-acting fertilizers such as urea and potassium dihydrogen phosphate can be prepared into a 0.3% nutrient solution and applied to the pot for its growth needs, with the best effect.

Apply organic fertilizer once each season, and in the peak growing season apply compound fertilizer lightly once a month to help the leaves stay emerald green. During the growing period, also pay attention to loosening the potting soil. Top-dress several times with thin, decomposed cake fertilizer water. In early winter each year, top-dress with chemical fertilizer or miscellaneous fertilizer to improve the soil structure and benefit the growth and development of the bamboo rhizomes.

3. Watering methods for growing Bambusa multiplex

During the growing period, Bambusa multiplex should be watered moderately, keeping the potting soil moist; water as soon as it is half dry, and waterlogging should be avoided. In summer, frequently spray water on the branches and leaves; in winter reduce the amount of water, watering once about every 4-5 days, and place it in a sunny spot for care.

Water is an important factor for the vigorous growth of Bambusa multiplex. Nutrients applied to the soil must dissolve in water before they can be absorbed by Bambusa multiplex. So water is needed in all four seasons; in spring, potted Bambusa multiplex begins to sprout branches and leaves, so water needs must be guaranteed, and it can be watered once every 2 days; in summer, water once in the morning and once in the evening. In autumn and winter, the frequency and amount of watering can be reduced as appropriate; water thoroughly once before winter begins, and afterwards keep the potting soil moist. For potted Bambusa multiplex, the principle of watering is that it must be thorough and not "halfway watering," otherwise growth will be affected.

After potting, pay attention to shading and keeping the potting soil moist, and frequently spray water on the leaf surfaces to prevent the bamboo leaves from curling due to dryness. But it should also not be overly wet and waterlogged, which causes root rot. During the vigorous growing period and the high-temperature period in summer, besides watering in the morning and evening, also spray water on the leaf surfaces several times. At the same time, set up a shade frame to prevent strong direct sunlight.

4. Light and temperature requirements for growing Bambusa multiplex

Bambusa multiplex likes warm, humid, wind-sheltered and sunny places. In spring and late autumn, it can be placed in a spot with sunlight for cultivation; in summer and early autumn the sunlight is strong, so Bambusa multiplex should be placed in a shaded spot or a place where it can receive sunlight in the morning and evening, and it is even better to place it beside a water pool or ditch. In winter it should be brought indoors to overwinter, with room temperature around 8°C. When the weather is cold in winter, it should be moved indoors to overwinter, and the indoor temperature must not be lower than 5°C.

5. Pest and disease control for growing Bambusa multiplex

Common diseases include rust and leaf blight. For rust, 80% zineb wettable powder at 500-600 times dilution can be sprayed; for leaf blight, 70% thiophanate-methyl wettable powder at 1000 times dilution can be sprayed for control. There are also aphids and wireworms doing damage; aphids can be sprayed with 80% dichlorvos emulsion at 1500 times dilution or malathion at 1000 times dilution, and for wireworms, in early spring 5% phorate at 1000 times dilution can be poured on the roots to kill adults or larvae.

6. Precautions for growing Bambusa multiplex

(1) Bambusa multiplex grows in clumps. If planted in the ground, it sheds leaves in winter and sprouts new leaves after spring; this is a reflection of its fear of cold; in warm regions it stays evergreen all year round. Spring, summer and autumn are its growing periods, when small shoots emerge repeatedly from the rhizome base, full of vitality and quite interesting. In the process of metabolism, old culms gradually wither and can be cut off at any time to maintain a graceful posture;

(2) Potted Bambusa multiplex should have its soil changed once every 2 or 3 years; if the plants are crowded, divide them and plant separately; if the culms are excessively elongated or too tightly packed, prune appropriately to facilitate ventilation and maintain appearance.

(3) Bambusa multiplex grows in clumps. If planted in the ground, it sheds leaves in winter and sprouts new leaves after spring; this is a reflection of its fear of cold; in warm regions it stays evergreen all year round. Spring, summer and autumn are its growing periods, when small shoots emerge repeatedly from the rhizome base, full of vitality and quite interesting. In the process of metabolism, old culms gradually wither and can be cut off at any time to maintain a graceful posture;

(4) Bambusa multiplex is relatively simple to manage; water when the potting soil is dry, but avoid excessive dryness or excessive wetness. If the potting soil is too dry, the branches and leaves are prone to lodging; if it is wet for too long or drainage is poor, the leaves will wilt and drop, or it will grow leaves while shedding them. During the growing period, applying thin nitrogen fertilizer 1-2 times a month is enough.

7. Propagation methods for growing Bambusa multiplex

Bambusa multiplex can be propagated by division, cuttings and sowing. Because seeds are not easy to obtain and cuttings are relatively difficult to root, division is the main propagation method.

(1) For division propagation in February to March, select robust 1-2 year old mother bamboos, dig out the mother bamboo together with the underground rhizome and soil, separate the bamboo clumps, with 3-5 culms per clump, and plant them separately with soil.

When planting, fill part of the hole with vegetable garden soil, pour in clear water, stir vigorously to make it into mud slurry, then insert the divided bamboo seedlings into the mud slurry, then fill with soil and firm it down, and build a mound of soil around the planted bamboo that is low in the middle and high outside, to facilitate later water management. Division propagation of Bambusa multiplex has a high survival rate and fast development, and is currently the main method for propagating Bambusa multiplex.

(2) For cutting propagation from April to September each year, carry it out during the growing period in combination with pruning. Select the top shoots with buds and leaves from the branches cut off during pruning, keep 10-15cm as cuttings, insert them into a sand bed to a depth of 1/3-1/2, water thoroughly, and set up an arched frame for warmth and moisture retention. The time for cuttings to root varies with the season, generally ranging from 30-60 days; in the plum rain season they establish in about 30 days, while in autumn in September they often need 50-60 days before establishing. Once the cuttings sprout new leaves and are confirmed to have established, they can be transplanted.

8. Pruning and repotting methods for Bambusa multiplex

Pruning Bambusa multiplex bonsai is relatively simple; crossing branches and branches that hinder the shape can be cut off at any time, and whether to keep newly sprouted shoots is decided according to shaping needs.

When a pot of Bambusa multiplex has grown rather dense and tall, repotting can be used as an opportunity for division propagation. The best time for repotting is May. Generally, Bambusa multiplex bonsai is repotted once every 2 years. The root system of Bambusa multiplex is not as strong as that of Buddha belly bamboo (Bambusa ventricosa); remove 1/2 of the old potting soil, prune the roots and branches appropriately, and add new, well-drained potting soil.

When repotting, the styling can be changed; according to the conceived composition, place several groups of Bambusa multiplex on the left and right sides of an irregular white marble shallow basin, and place a Yanshan stone of a certain beauty and height in the middle, creating a distinctive charm.

How to grow Bambusa multiplex, and its cultivation methods and precautions have been shared with everyone above. I hope this article is helpful to everyone, and I wish everyone good luck.