Stately and standing straight upright - that's exactly how a bamboo should be. Or is that a completely wrong picture? Is it unusual for individual stalks to hang down and is there a risk that they could break?
Is it bad if my bamboo hangs down?
For many types of bamboo it is normal for individual stalks to overhang slightly and they usually do not break. As long as the overhanging does not reach extreme proportions or is caused by deficiencies in care such as lack of nutrients or water, there is no danger to the bamboo.
Is it bad if the bamboo overhangs?
The reassuring thing first: It'snot badif the bamboo overhangs. Bamboo is an extremelyflexible, elastic and yet stable plant. Its stalks can hang down far andbreakusually stillnot They can carry enormous loads and maintain their shape thanks to their robust cell structure.
Are there special types of bamboo that tend to overhang?
Yes, there are even verymany species of bamboo and varieties of bamboo that like to grow overhanging. These include, for example, some representatives of Fargesia, also known as umbrella bamboo. The maned bamboo (Fargesia murielae) likes to overhang a bit. Similar to Fargesia rufa, Fargesia robusta and Fargesia nitida. This can even look extremely pretty, but is usually less enriching if the bamboo is intended to act as a privacy screen.
In addition to the Fargesias, there are also Phyllostachys specimens that grow overhanging. These include, among others, black cane bamboo, bronze bamboo and green cane bamboo.
What reasons could there be for drooping?
The overhanging of the stalks is not always a good sign.care errors can also be behind this. This means that the stalks and leaves can droop if the bamboo suffers from a lack of nutrients or water. Even under stress, for example during the acclimatization phase in a new location, some plants tend to present hanging stalks. Last but not least, pests or diseases can also be the cause.
What can you do about hanging stalks?
Depending on the cause, you can take various measures to straighten the bamboo. This includes, for example,tying the bamboo together, tying it uporsupporting itIf the stalks are too long, they can beshortenedwill be. But be careful: the stalks will not continue to grow after cutting if they have already reached their final height.
If care errors have been identified as the cause, targeted fertilizer applications or more regular watering may help.
Tip
In winter under a snow load
The bamboo stalks often hang over in winter when there is snow on them. That's no problem. By spring they will have stood up again on their own. The plant can also overhang due to wind or heavy rain. The bamboo usually manages to stand straight again on its own.
