Giant Leaf Bamboo – Indocalamus Tessellatus – 3 Gallon Pot

Giant Leaf Bamboo has the largest leaves of any bamboo in cultivation in the U.S, hence the name! It is very east to grow because it adapts to all planting sites. The leaves are large enough that the Chinese and Japanese have used them in cooking by wrapping food in them prior to steaming. They are also great for use in floral arrangements. This species is used in many countries for erosion control along flood plains. Since it adapts to low light conditions, Giant Leaf Bamboo makes a great indoor houseplant. On new plantings this species will get leaf damage at around 0 to 5 degrees F. On older established groves it will remain evergreen to -10 with very little if any foliage damage. Grows 3 to 9 feet tall depending on pruning. Plants can be mowed to the ground in late winter resulting in a lower plant that serves well as a groundcover. Left to grow naturally it forms a mid size hedge.

Note:  For our customers who live and garden north of USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6a, where this Bamboo is not winter hardy, you’ll be happy to know it can be grown in containers that can be brought indoors during winter and placed back outside when temperatures warm up in spring.

Giant Leaf Bamboo is easy to grow in any average, well-drained but moist soil and likes a shady site. During the first growing season after planting, water as needed to keep soil around the plants moist, but not soggy or wet. When established, most bamboo will tolerate periods of dry weather, however, will appreciate an occasional deep soaking if the leaves begin to curl from drought stress.

Giant Leaf Bamboo is a running bamboo, which means it spreads. Bamboo can be controlled in a small area (a normal city yard) simply by mowing or stepping on the young shoots. New shoots of some bamboo can also be used for culinary purposes and cooked, much like asparagus. Keep in mind that running bamboo only puts up new shoots for a short time each year and, when they are “shooting,” the new plants are very fragile and easy to destroy. Root pruning or installing Bamboo Root Barrier are other methods to control spread.

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