Uses of Bamboo plants
Definitely each part of the plant, is beneficial to us in one way or the other. For example, the tender shoots as well as the seeds of the plant, are used for making dishes in many parts of the world.
In traditional Chinese medicine, different parts of the plants are used for cleaning wounds, treating skin irritations etc.
In addition, the stems of large Bamboo trees are used for building purposes. Especially in places where natural calamities like earthquake, typhoons etc. occur frequently.
The widespread network of the root system, can control soil erosion effectively.
Likewise a lot of animals like the giant panda, elephants etc. feed on the tender shoots of the plant.
Given above are a few general features of the Bamboo plants.
Let us see how to grow this beautiful plant in our garden.
There are different varieties of Bamboo plants, that are ideal for home gardens. Preferably for making bonsai, landscaping, fencing and pot planting.
Benefits of growing Bamboos in home gardens.
The most important advantage, is its detoxifying property. It is one of the best plants that can absorb many poisonous gases like carbon dioxide, xylene etc. Likewise Bamboo plants release 30% more oxygen, than an equivalent group of other plants.
The beautiful leaves as well as the stems known as culms, make the plant ideal for landscaping.
A landscape with a cluster of Bamboo in the middle, can make your garden attractive. We can definitely use this straight growing plants, to make the best green screen or fencing. Miniature Bamboo plants grown in pots, are ideal for indoors. We can keep it either in our balconies, or places where the plant gets the required light for proper growth.
Above all, it is one of the most beautiful plants for making bonsai. A few Bamboo plants grown in the forest style bonsai, will look really fantastic.
How to grow the Bamboo plants for home gardens.
Certainly we can grow the plants very easily in our gardens, because it needs only minimum caring.
Propagation of Bamboo plants for gardens and landscaping
The best way for propagation is through the saplings that sprout from rhizomes. For this, we can easily collect the saplings from mother plants, using a sharp knife.
To grow your Bamboo directly in the soil, first make a pit in the dimensions 1:1:1 ft. Then fill it with a mixture of sand, loam and any organic manure.
After that, plant your bamboo sapling in it, and water regularly. If there is direct sunlight, provide a little shade for a few days.
Once the roots are fixed, your Bamboo will start growing faster.
To maintain the size and shape of the plant, timely pruning is necessary. It is equally important to use suitable tools, for pruning your Bamboo. Because, it is not easy for you to use ordinary shears to prune those with hard stems. But surely you can use a small, or medium sized pruning saw for this purpose.
Also we can use stem cuttings, for propagating the Bamboo plants. For this, always collect the cuttings from plants that are mature enough. Moreover, remember to use the culms with at least two nodes. Usually, roots are developed around the nodal regions of the culms.
Likewise, the rhizomes spread faster sideways, and hence you should take care against the plant from invading the adjacent areas.
Though the plant can do well in tropical climates, feeding occasionally helps to maintain the health as well as beauty of your Bamboo. For this you can use dried cow dung or any other organic manure.
Potted Bamboo plants for gardens and landscaping
For growing your Bamboo plants in pots, first select smaller varieties that are suitable for it. Surely you can try miniature Bamboo plants for this. The saplings are available with most of the garden suppliers or nurseries.
Usually bamboo plants can thrive in loamy soil. Hence make the mixture with equal quantities of River sand, loam and silt, that can retain the moisture without water logging. Also add some dried cow dung or compost to the mixture.
After that plant your sapling in the pot and keep it in shade for a few days . Never forget to water your Bamboo on a daily basis.
When the bamboo plant starts doing well in the new environment, transfer the pot anywhere in your home. Preferably, a place with indirect sunlight for a few hours a day.
Keeping the above points in mind, try to grow Bamboo plants in your garden, to make it really awesome.
