Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants on earth. Whether clumpy bamboo species that shoot up high or root-forming varieties that spread without limits - at some point every bamboo becomes too big. Dividing bamboo – the best tips for floor and container plants.
How to divide bamboo?
To divide bamboo successfully, choose the right time in March or late summer, on a cloudy and humid day. For potted plants, let the root ball soak in water and then cut it up. If the bamboo is growing freely, moisten the soil and carefully separate or dig up the bamboo.
The right time and the ideal weather
March or late summer is the ideal time to transplant or divide a bamboo. Between April and June, do not disturb the roots because new stalks will grow!
Consider not only the right time, but also the ideal weather. A cloudy, humid day is recommended for properly limiting or dividing your bamboo. Ideally after a rain shower when the soil is moist and loose.
Divide bamboo in the pot – but how?
After 2 to 3 years at the latest, when the bamboo overflows the pot or the stalks overgrow the edge of the pot, it is time to divide or remove it. Before you grab an axe, spade or saw, let the bale soak in a tub of water. Then continue working in the following steps:
- Tie up the plant
- Remove the root ball from the edge and remove it
- Place bamboo on lawn or tarp
- Divide the root ball several times with a sharp ax (€58.00 on Amazon), spade, hacksaw or fine-tooth saw
The larger the root ball, the better the bamboo can cope with the intervention.
Separate free-growing bamboo
If you want to dig up or separate a freely growing bamboo, you should first water and soak the soil extensively. Especially on dry and hard floors. Depending on the size of the plant, you can completely undermine and dig up the bamboo or have to remove it piece by piece.
The radical alternative when things need to go quickly
Short woody stalks with a chainsaw. This creates space so that you can then position the spade better. But beware! The hard bamboo fibers sometimes get stuck in the chain and jam the saw. This is particularly dangerous if the chain falls off even though it is tightly tensioned!Important: Wear safety clothing and face protection so that the sawn-off bamboo stalks do not fly into your eyes when bending over.
Tips & Tricks
Cover separated root pieces immediately with moist potting soil so that they do not dry out. Then you plant them in large mortar pots. These are inexpensive, mobile planters that can also be buried and prevent the roots from spreading. Or you can find grateful bamboo buyers in your circle of friends.
