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Bamboo is a beautiful plant that can require a lot of effort and time. But never fear! Keeping your bamboo adequately watered can ensure that it stays healthy and vibrant. You can easily water bamboo that is growing either in soil or in a pot with gravel or pebbles.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Keeping Bamboo in Moist Soil

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  1. Fill a clean spray bottle with distilled water or rainwater. Then spray a light mist of water over your bamboo every two days. Misting your bamboo regularly can keep it from getting soggy or drying out. [1]
    • Distilled water and rainwater are the best choices to water and mist your bamboo. Bamboo is sensitive to the salts and chemicals in tap water. [2]
  2. Every 3-4 days, stick your finger into the bamboo soil until it touches your first knuckle. Wiggle your finger around to see if the soil feels dry or moist. Mist or water your bamboo’s soil if it feels dry. [3]
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  3. Every 7-10 days, pour a small amount of water into your bamboo potter. Let the water drain into the soil for a minute and then check the moisture again with your finger. Add more water until your plant feels sufficiently moist. [4]
    • Bamboo is sensitive to water levels and doesn’t like to be soggy. Pour out any excess water from the planter if you add too much. [5]
    EXPERT TIP

    Maggie Moran

    Home & Garden Specialist
    Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania.
    Maggie Moran
    Home & Garden Specialist

    Water new young bamboo plants more often. You should water them twice a week in the summer, or even more often if the temperature increases.

  4. Remove any blockages that keep the water from draining easily through the planter. See if there are holes in mulch, stones, or other coverage you’ve put on top of bamboo plants in the ground.
    • For outdoor bamboo, add extra drainage material to any holes or sparsely-covered parts. [6]
    • Add stones, pebbles, etc. to keep stems upright and ensure drainage.
  5. Water your bamboo 3-5 times per week in the summer or if you live in a hot climate. [7] In the winter or in cold climates, reduce how often you water your plants to every 7-10 days. Ensure that the soil is moist in any season or climate by feeling it with your finger. [8]
  6. Spread a 2- to 3-in (5- to 7-cm) layer of mulch over the bamboo soil. Having a layer of mulch can help your bamboo retain moisture throughout the year and promote proper drainage. [9]
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Hydrating Bamboo in Water

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  1. Check your bamboo plant every day. Inspect the roots, which may be covered in pebbles, gravel, or even marbles. Make sure that the roots and the bottom part of the stem are submerged in water.
  2. If you notice the roots aren’t covered, pour water into the bamboo planter until it covers them. Water the entire plant every 7-10 days to ensure the roots stay submerged. [10]
    • Add water more often in summer or if you live in a hot climate.
    • You can use tap, distilled, or rain water in your bamboo planter. If you use tap water, let it sit overnight to allow chlorine, which can harm your bamboo, to evaporate. [11]
  3. Pour out the bamboo planter water and any drainage pebbles, gravel, or marbles every couple of weeks. Clean the planter and drainage props with clean, filtered, or bottled mineral water. Add them and your bamboo back to the planter and refill it with freshly collected rainwater, filtered water, or distilled water. [12]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Can a bamboo plant grow in just water?
    Maggie Moran
    Home & Garden Specialist
    Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania.
    Home & Garden Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Yes, Lucky Bamboo is a type of bamboo that grows hydroponically (in water).
  • Question
    How much sun does a bamboo plant need?
    Maggie Moran
    Home & Garden Specialist
    Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania.
    Home & Garden Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Bamboo does well in both sun or shade, although certain types of bamboo can experience burnt leaves if they get too much direct sunlight.
  • Question
    How often should you water newly planted bamboo?
    Maggie Moran
    Home & Garden Specialist
    Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania.
    Home & Garden Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Water younger plants twice a week until they become established. If it's very hot, water them more often.
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      Article Summary X

      If your bamboo is planted in soil, fill a clean spray bottle with distilled water or rainwater, then spray a light mist of water over your bamboo every 2 days. Every 3-4 days, stick your finger into the soil, and mist the soil if it feels dry. Bamboo plants don’t like to be soggy, so other than misting it, you should only add water to the planter once every 7-10 days. If you’re growing your bamboo in water, make sure the roots are always underwater. Keep reading to learn tips from our horticulture reviewer how often to change the water in your underwater bamboo plant.

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Libby Folet

        Nov 12, 2016

        "Great instructions to grow bamboo from seed. Already sprouted in six days. Fingers crossed, the two that ..." more
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