Tall, black stalks are accentuated by small, medium-to-dark green leaves and a dense, clump-forming growth habit.
This makes it popular with gardeners looking to create dense hedges ornatural privacy screens.
There are several bamboo species with the common name black bamboo.
Unlike the others, such asDendeocalamus asper cv.Hitam andGigantochloa atroviolacea,P.
nigrais one of the only varieties of black bamboo with a running instead of clumping growth habit.
Nevertheless, with the proper knowledge and care,P.
nigramakes a great addition to any yard or landscape.
Heres everything you oughta know about how to grow and care for this stunning bamboo variety.
Consult your local extension office to see if the plant is listed as invasive in your area.
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Light
Black bamboo appreciates plenty of light.
While a location that receives several hours ofdirect sunlightis ideal, this plant will also tolerate partially shaded locations.
Soil
This hardy bamboo variety requires rich, well-draining soil to thrive.
A mixture of 50% organic (such as compost, manure, humus, etc.)
and 50% inorganic components (like sand, perlite, pumice, silt, etc.)
is a good place to start.
The soil should retain some moisture while still being well-draining and preventing waterlogged soil.
A light layer ofmulcharound the base of the plant can help retain moisture.
It thrives in warm temperatures and high humidity and is not frost-tolerant.
Fertilizer
In addition to nutrient-rich soil, black bamboo benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season.
Use a high-nitrogenfertilizerin the spring and summer to give your plants an extra boost.
Pruning is best done in the spring using a pair of clean, sharp pruning shears.
Thenodes along the stalksprovide an easy visual cue on where to cut back the height of each stalk.
Prune each stalk just above a node.
Root pruning may also be required to control the spread of black bamboo.
This is best done in early spring.
Black bamboo should generally be repotted once it becomesroot-bound.
Always choose a new pot twice as big as the plants root ball to provide ample space for spreading.
This will help prevent the plant from becoming top-heavy and blowing over in the wind.
Common Pests and Plant Diseases
Bamboo is generally pretty pest-resistant, and black bamboo is no exception.
Monitor your plants closely to ensure you catch signs of disease early so treatment can be applied accordingly.
However, you may encounter a few common problems when growing black bamboo at home.
Rapid Growth
Black bamboo can quickly spread and take over gardens and landscapes if left unchecked.
Beyond these more significant implications, having black bamboo take over your yard can be a frustrating nuisance.
Leaves Turning Yellow
Yellow leaves are one of the most common problems with black bamboo.
Yellowing leaves can also result from improper watering, inadequate drainage, pest infestations, and root rot.
Black bamboo can grow up to three feet a week in ideal conditions.
This means that the shoots can be up to 30 feet tall in a matter of months.
While black bamboo can tolerate being temporarily overwintered indoors if necessary, it will not survive long inside.
