Pruning a Bamboo: [Importance, Time, Tools, Considerations and Steps]
Bamboo is one of those plant species of high value but that usually has a fast and very disorganized growth.
It is for this reason that pruning becomes a mandatory work issue to control it and give the results we want.
The good thing, compared to other species, is that it is a highly resistant plant that gives a lot of support in terms of recovery.
Are you needing to prune your bamboos and want a safe route so you don’t make any mistakes? Here we tell you how to do it.
Why prune bamboo?
Bamboo pruning is necessary to execute it with the main objective of controlling its accelerated growth.It is also usually essential in order to keep the plant healthy and ensure that its new canes grow strong.
In this case, it is not mandatory to be so attentive to the amount of pruning that will be applied because it can be quite drastic without complications. And it is not very decisive whether the plant is indoors or outdoors because in both cases it may require it.
When is it better to carry out bamboo pruning?
Bamboo pruning can be done once a year according to the specific needs that it presents.
This should be applied on days when the ambient temperature is more favorable, that is, at the beginning of spring.
Additional pruning may be required throughout the year if the bamboo is growing heavily and there will certainly be no downside to doing so.
Of course, it is worth reserving drastic pruning for a specific moment and only leave some inconclusive actions for the rest of the year.
What tools should we use when pruning bamboos?
Bamboo pruning is done with normal pruning shears that must be sharp. Despite being a very resistant species, it is best to ensure that the cuts are decisive so that there is no suffering.
It is also essential that they are well disinfected with alcohol or soap so as not to promote wound infections.
What considerations should we take into account when pruning bamboos?
Calmly assessing the plant before proceeding with pruning as such is an essential action. Through this action we will be able to define which are the areas in which we will have to pay more attention.
This will facilitate the process when taking the pruning action, ensuring that we act in the best way and that we invest less time. It is essential to note that although bamboo is highly resistant, any excessive damage generated can become irreversible.
In the case of indoor bamboos, the state of health of the roots must be considered, since they tend to get sick due to carelessness in the water. If you have forgotten to change the water and it has turned dark and slimy, make the change to new water as soon as possible.
Then, you have to wait for conditions to return more or less to normal before proceeding with the cuts. In this way you can prevent the polluting effects of dirty water from being installed on the cuts that you will make with the pruning.
Although it does not have a structure similar to that of normal plants, it is also very prone to the attack of different diseases.
How to prune bamboos without damaging the tree?
Once you have everything ready, it is time to start with the pruning of the bamboo and the steps to follow will be the following:
- Start the pruning from the outside in, paying attention first to the canes that you see in poor condition. These should be cut flush with the ground without hesitation. Here you will also have to include the oldest canes that are noticeable with a lack of vigor, that are inclined to one side or that prevent the passage of light.
- Level the rest of the canes that you have left so that the plant looks more orderly. This action will also make it easier for light and air to penetrate more easily towards the innermost areas and, above all, to the points where you made the pruning cuts in step 1.
- Unlike other species, bamboo also needs pruning to attend to the roots because they are visible and the health of the entire plant depends a lot on their proper care. Then, if there are parts that are noticeable in poor condition, it will be necessary to cut them.
Bamboo is one of the easiest species to care for and requires the least monetary investment. It is for this reason that ensuring optimal health becomes much more relevant and pruning is one of them.
It is not necessary to be an expert in gardening to be successful, since the mere willingness and compliance with the instructions is more than enough.
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