What does bamboo need in order to grow?

As much sunlight as possible (four hours minimum), along with consistent watering and periodic application of a high nitrogen fertilizer.

How far from my fenceline/structures should I plant my bamboo?

Ideally, 3-4’, though if you don’t mind doing some maintenance (thinning your bamboo 2-3 times a year), then 2’ inside the fenceline should be fine.

How do I care for my bamboo?

It should be watered heavily for the first two weeks after planting (every two days), as it goes through an adjustment period going from its pot into the ground. Leaf-dropping is common. If you’re watering your bamboo consistently and it looks really bad (e.g. if it’s dropped all of its leaves or is turning brown), please call/text us at 504-296-8398 or email us.

Bamboo really benefits from periodic thinning as well. thinner, weaker shoots that are leaning over can be cut to the base of the plant. Shoots that have died (turned brown/gray) can also be cut without damaging the plant, as can shoots that are growing really closely together.

How does bamboo handle hurricanes?

Fine. We got 3’ of water in the nursery during Hurricane Ida, and didn’t lose a single bamboo. We didn’t receive any calls from clients post-storm complaining about their bamboo dying in the storm either. Lots of damage to the leaves, but you know, Ida was a Category 4 hurricane so that’s expected.

How about cold?

Fine. Our bamboos are cold hardy to the low 20s and we plant them every month of the year. Of the 1,500+ known species of bamboo worldwide, we have selected a small number of different species of bamboo to sell at the nursery in part because they work well with New Orleans’ particular environment. 

A couple species (Bambusa oldhamii and bambusa chungii ‘barbelatta’ specifically) don’t handle the cold as well as others, but they all survive hard freezes. Leaf damage is common, but without exception, new growth emerges in the spring. 

How about heat?

No problem. The excessive drought and heat of 2023 put our bamboo to the test, and it thrived despite the challenging conditions. That said, bamboo requires additional watering during extended dry spells. When bamboo starts to dry out, its leaves will begin to curl up — it’s their way of conserving water. Give your bamboo a nice heavy watering, and those leaves will uncurl within hours.

What’s the difference between 3-gallon, 7-gallon and 15-gallon pot sizes?

It’s all about time vs. money. In general, 3-gallon pots of bamboo will take 2-3 years to mature. 7-gallon pots will have mature shoots within their first year of growth, but will look a bit sparse until its second year of growth. 15-gallon pots will reach maturity within two years, and will provide the privacy hedge effect most of our clients are interested in within the first year of growth.

How tall is your bamboo when I purchase it?

Depends! Bamboo, being a fast-growing grass, develops new growth quickly during its “shooting” season (the period wherein the bamboo sends up its new shoots), with some plants growing a few feet within just a few days. We base the pot size of our bamboos on the density of their root mass (called rhizomes), rather than the height or volume of bamboo shoots emerging from the plant. A bamboo with larger/denser rhizomes and shorter shoots will develop more quickly than a bamboo with tall shoots and underdeveloped rhizomes.

What’s your return policy?

We really want you to be happy with your plants and our service. Really, really, really. Sincerely. Promise. Pinky swear. We offer a one-year guarantee on our bamboo, within which time period we will deliver and replace sad/dying/struggling plants at no cost to you. There are exceptions to this rule: You’ll need to keep your plants well watered for the guarantee to be honored, and other exceptions include damage done by Acts of God, pets (we once had a client whose dog loved eating bamboo shoots — weird!), errant lawnmowing…. Just be a conscientious caretaker of your bamboo, and if any of them fall ill or appear to be struggling, get in touch.