Bamboo is propagated by taking pieces from a bamboo plant and keeping them alive for long enough to for them to grow and form new plants. This can start almost immediately, though may take as long as a year or two, depending on the bamboo species, the method used and the environmental conditions. Some bamboo species are very easy to propagate, and others are difficult and require great attention to detail. It is important to select well-grown healthy material of the right age and state of development for the propagation method used. It should be free from pests and diseases and protected from drying during transport and storage. Careful balance of moisture and drainage in the propagation medium, and high humidity are essential for good results in all but the easiest to propagate of bamboo species. Warmth and good light levels are also required.
Propagation by division
When the bamboo has been divided; make sure you keep the clumps moist by wrapping the root base in a plastic bag. Don't remove until the last possible moment; exposed roots dry out and die very quickly. If transporting the root base for guerrilla gardening actions then water the base before you put in the plastic bag as this will assure your bamboo won't dry out in transit.
1. Spade around the entire clump of bamboo, taking care not to damage any roots. Do this in the early spring before the bamboo produces new growth for the season
2. Lift the clump of bamboo from the hole. Discard any dead or rotting culms from the bamboo clump.
3. Separate the clump of roots by pulling them apart with a garden fork or by twisting. Cut extremely tangled root clumps with a hacksaw or garden saw
4. Transplant the divided bamboo clumps where you want and plant them only as deep as they were previously planted. Water the transplants thoroughly.
Growing from cuttings
If you want to propagate bamboo it is important to follow the correct method. Take cuttings from tall trunks in a clump that is not more than three years old. You will get the best results if you take cuttings from the middle part of the trunk. A trunk 10 metres high will give about four cuttings. Each cutting should have two full, undamaged internodes and a half internode.
Planting
Plant the cuttings as soon as they are cut because they are sensitive to shock, which can result in poor germination or complete failure. Light sandy loam soils are best for bamboo growing.
Allow plenty of space for the cuttings to develop. Plant them vertically, with the half internode above ground. Apply a seal of moist clay or candle wax to the top cut edge of the bamboo without covering the hole. This will act as a disinfectant.
Pour two cups of water into the top of the bamboo cutting. Keep adding water regularly until roots and green shoots develop at the nodes. Cuttings are perfect for guerrilla gardening because the little bags or pots they're propagated in can be transported and transplanted into a vacant lot very easily.
Other methods
You can also use longer cuttings with four to six internodes (see diagram below). Plant these horizontally, after making a hole in the middle internode. Keep this hole filled with water until the nodes produce roots and new growth.
Cuttings can also be made from aerial shoots that develop on the tall trunks. These cuttings must have at least two and a half internodes. These methods can be used to establish community forests or in reforestation programmes. Let’s keep growing bamboo!
