Fernleaf bamboo is known as a striking bamboo with tiny-sized leaves present on the slender culms. It is best suited for privacy screens and is ideal for containers and well-settled indoor environments.
The growth rate of the fernleaf bamboo is quite fast. In addition to a rapid growth rate, the plant survives up to approximately ten years. This species does not originally belong to North America and thus can be propagated; by various cultivation methods. However, it may be subjected; to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.
When a fernleaf bamboo is grown in outdoor containers and baskets, it may need even more watering than its needs in the yard or the garden. When a fernleaf bamboo is planted on 8-foot centers, it may form a thick foliage wall within a duration of just three to five years. However, there is one condition necessary for its growth, which is full sunlight.
Fernleaf Bamboo Size
Fernleaf bamboo or Bambusa Multiplex is native to China, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Assam, Taiwan, and northern Indochina. Fernleaf bamboo is also naturalized; in the West Indies, South America, the Indian subcontinent, Iraq, Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, and the Southeastern United States.
This plant is highly prized; due to its exhibition as a short, deer-resistant, and thick hedge. The deep canes held by a fernleaf bamboo accompany side growth stems, having densely packed and small leaves. The canes of a bamboo plant are approximately half an inch in diameter and are usually thick spaced. The high density of small leaves of this small-sized bamboo creates a screen in addition to a sound barrier.
The ornamental features of this small-sized plant are small and narrow, dense leaves that emerge yellow as yellow during spring and change to green color the rest of the year. Its flowers and fruit are not significant from an ornamental point of view.
Fernleaf Bamboo Height
It contains hedges; for this reason, it is also known as clumping bamboo or hedge bamboo besides fernleaf bamboo. The height of this plant is approximately between 9 to 12 feet. However, it is not always the case; and it may also range up to 15 feet, only under the provision of optimum conditions needed by the plant.
Its height is the reason that it is sometimes used as a thriller in the spiller-thriller-filler container combination. It may be planted near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants that spill over the corners. Its size alone is adequate; for this reason, it can be easily sizeable even if it is grown in an appropriate container. This plant is known to bring very much fine and delicate texture to the garden composition, and as a result, it should be used to full effect. So, the chief factor of height is the optimum conditions.
Fernleaf Bamboo Care
It is no longer surprising that a fernleaf bamboo plant is gaining more popularity day by day for landscaping projects, homeowners, and indoor decor. This plant is the most reliable species present. However, it may need some annual care to maintain its chances of survival. Now, what extra care does it usually need?
One thing associated with this kind of bamboo plant is that it does not need that much care and is a low-maintenance plant. To maintain the plant well, apply high nitrogen fertilizer such as Bamboo Special annually.
The second thing is irrigation for a minimum of one and a maximum of two years. Afterward, it needs to be watered only during drought conditions. However, for extraordinary growth, it needs irrigation 3 to 5 times weekly beyond the first year period. One merit of a fernleaf bamboo is that it responds well to trimming with a hedge trimmer.
Fernleaf Bamboo Problems
There are several diseases related to fernleaf bamboo. It is essential to mention the problems that are causing diseases. The first problem experienced by the older plant is the exhibition of fungal spots such as rust; though it can be treated with a copper-based fungicide, however, it is much better to cull it.
Tobacco mosaic virus is another problem to the plant; it spreads through pruning tools; hence always consider sterilizing primers between cuts. Scooty mold is caused; by small insects such as aphids, mealy bugs, etc. Lastly, rot issues, that is, root rots and heart rots as well affect the bamboo growth.
To minimize the probability of the plant getting affected as a consequence of the problems mentioned above. It is easier to help them prevent the diseases more than the cure itself. Good water management, exposure of the plant to sunlight, and proper nutrition are significant for its nourishment.
