Planted bamboo in alkaline soil
StuartC
Posts: 5
Hi everyone, hope you can help. A few weeks ago I planted some phyllostacus aureosulcata f. aureosulcata in a planter, and used a mix of topsoil and manure to plant in. The topsoil was in bags that I'd ordered. Same with the manure, which was advertised as well rotted.
Some bamboo leaves were a little yellowed when I planted the plants but most of the plants now have a large number of yellow leaves. I've just done a pH test and the soil comes out as quite alkaline. I realise now that I was probably overeager with the manure and should have added less of that, as I believe it is quite alkaline?
Having read that bamboo prefers an acidic to neutral soil, what would people recommend that I do? Is this the sort of thing that can resolve itself or would it be better to take the plants out and make the soil mix more balanced towards topsoil and less towards manure? Or is there another approach that would disrupt the plants less?
Many thanks,
Stuart
Posts
I don't have that bamboo, but I have about 10 different varieties planted in my soil, which is alkaline and dry, so not ideal. They are doing fine. They are tough plants.
Its normal at any time to have some yellow leaves, and it might well be ok for the time of year to be getting more, but they are a big investment, I think I would worry too.
Can you get a photo ?
Yes indeed, photo attached. Bit of a windy day here so this was as still as I could get them! I don't know how well it comes across in the photo, as the deep green of the grass behind might be throwing things off, but the plant second to the left is probably the most yellow one.
The cost of them does make me a bit more concerned than I usually would be, it's true. Thanks for your help so far!
Many thanks,
Stuart
I'd have thought manure was quite acid but, in any case, the RHS says it grows well in chalk soils.
Have a look here for info - https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/198411/Phyllostachys-aureosulcata-f-spectabilis/Details and then make sure you're watering it enough. Sunshine and winds can be very dessicating to the foliage of a plant that's still trying to establish its roots.
"We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
I don't think they look bad at all colour wise. Agree with obelisk, check on the watering. Enough water and they should come on. Its a titchy area for bamboo, but I guess you want a screen up and aren't too worried about the long term.
Thank you all for the reassurance. I will make sure I keep it well-watered.