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A bamboo grows and grows and grows. Even in our latitudes. The Asian sweet grass tirelessly drives out new stalks. And that's exactly what we're hoping for from him. Of course, fresh leafy greens require more than water and light. That is why we should supply its soil with good building blocks on time. What is meant by this is a fertilizer that leaves nothing to be desired. When and with what is this plant ideally cared for?
fertilize bamboo
The growth in height of a bamboo plant is closely linked to the prevailing climate. A bamboo species that easily manages more than 10 m in its homeland will remain significantly lower with us. Even the best nutrient supply will not change that. However, this has an impact on the health and appearance of the plant. If the bamboo fertilizer used is not well chosen or not dosed sufficiently, the following deficiency symptoms will soon appear:
- fewer new shoots
- fewer and/or smaller leaves
- faster dying of the stalks
- cannot be compensated by new growth
- overall scanty and bare appearance
- lighter or mottled leaves
Nutrient supply when planting
A freshly planted specimen should be provided with a good portion of nutrients immediately, regardless of the planting time. It doesn't matter how you provide him with the nutrients he needs. You can use compost or opt for one of the other slow release fertilizers that we detail below. If you use a special bamboo soil for planting, it is already enriched with nutrients. In this case, no further fertilization is required in the following three months.
Bamboo Fargusia muriclae
time
So that the bamboo, bot. Bambusoideae, good sprouts, it is also annually in the period from April to August supplied with nutrients. How often you have to fertilize the bamboo during this time depends on the fertilizer used.
- Apply slow-release fertilizer once in spring
- alternatively later another time
- other fertilizers about every 14 days
- follow the manufacturer's recommendations
tip: Even if the weather in September can be splendid and the bamboo is growing unchecked, you should no longer fertilize the bamboo. The newly formed shoots can no longer mature in time for winter.
Appropriate fertilizer
For a fresh green foliage, the fertilizer should contain both potassium and nitrogen in large quantities. However, you can decide for yourself what you actually fertilize bamboo with. There are several fertilizers from the trade in question. But also some natural alternatives:
- special bamboo fertilizer
- lawn fertilizer
- other commercially available NPK fertilizers
- horn meal or horn shavings
- mature compost
- Mature horse manure
- nettle manure
- coffee grounds
- bamboo leaves
You may combine several fertilizers with each other. However, be careful not to over-fertilize your bamboo. The stalks and leaves can burn and appear straw-like.
tip: You should not immediately cut off dry leaves as a result of over-fertilization. wait and see Because at some point the plant will shed these leaves on its own and sprout new ones.
Commercial fertilizer
Special bamboo fertilizer
The giant grass undoubtedly benefits from the special bamboo fertilizer. Because it is precisely tailored to his needs. Among other things, it contains silicon for a strong leaf structure and potassium for greater resistance and frost resistance. This special fertilizer will not be found in a supermarket, but in every garden center or specialist shop. Stock up on the required amount in good time. This bamboo fertilizer is available as granules or in liquid form. You can find out when and how often you use it from the label on the package. However, the price does not exactly tempt you to grab it. However, there are also cheaper alternatives, as you will learn below.
lawn fertilizer
A lawn fertilizer can also be used to fertilize bamboo. Both plants are grasses and therefore related to each other. What is good for one kind can also be useful for the other kind. Since there is hardly a garden without a lawn, lawn fertilizer is usually at hand anyway. Just make sure it's not overly nitrogenous. Too much nitrogen reduces frost hardiness. Potassium-poor soils can be supplied with an autumn lawn fertilizer in August. The potassium it contains makes the plant more robust and frost-hardy for the approaching winter, as it supports the water supply.
Other commercial NPK fertilizers
The so-called NPK fertilizers are available on a mineral or organic basis. The latter are more recommended. They release the nutrients evenly and thus prevent over-fertilization. However, if a nutrient supply is desired very quickly, a mineral fertilizer can be used. For example, if the shoots are already showing clear signs of deficiency.
home remedies
horn meal or horn shavings
Horn shavings or horn meal are proven natural fertilizers. It is sufficient if a few handfuls are spread and worked in the root area in spring. When planting bamboo, horn shavings can be placed in the planting hole as a first aid.
compost
Bamboo in the garden is well served with a compost supply in spring. The applied layer should be about 5 cm high and then worked in well. During the year, the bamboo does not require any further fertilization. Unless he shows clear deficiency symptoms. Mature compost is also ideal as a starter supply when planting. With potted plants, on the other hand, it is difficult to provide them with compost alone. Here the use of a different fertilizer makes sense.
Mature horse manure
Horse manure is a good source of nitrogen. However, it must be well mature (at least 6 months). It is also ideally applied in the spring. Its origin plays an important role. Even if bamboo is not an edible plant, the manure should come from an organic farm. Many farms are happy to give something away on request, usually free of charge.
nettle manure
You can easily make manure from nettles yourself. This organic fertilizer is also completely free. Only a little patience is necessary, because the fermentation process takes time.
- pick about 1 kg of fresh nettles
- cut a little small
- put in a large bucket
- Add 10 liters of rainwater
- cover with a fine grid
- place sunny
- stir daily
When no more bubbles appear, the nettle manure is ready. You can dilute it 1:10 with water and use it to water the bamboo every two weeks. The finished liquid manure can be stored for a long time after fermentation without any problems.
coffee grounds
In many households, coffee grounds are a daily waste product. It is a good supplier of nitrogen and therefore an ideal fertilizer.
- distribute in the root area
- or put in the water
- constantly fertilize with it
- or collect larger amounts and fertilize every 14 days
However, coffee grounds lower the pH of the soil, which this sweet grass does not like. That's why it should only be used modestly.
bamboo leaves
Fallen bamboo leaves contain useful nutrients, especially silicon. If the plant is healthy, leave the leaves alone. After they decompose, the nutrients are available to the plant for the formation of new leaves.
Bamboo plants in a pot
It is not unusual for a bamboo to be grown in a large pot. In this case, however, its roots can only draw the nutrients they need from a modest supply of soil. While garden specimens get along well with long-term fertilization per year, bamboo in pots has to be fertilized more and more often. A liquid fertilizer is more practical here, although compost, horse manure and horn shavings can also be used as fertilizer. Dry leaves left in the pot also provide valuable nutrients. In the winter quarters, however, they can pose a risk of rotting and should be collected and disposed of in good time.