If the bamboo looks withered and frostbitten, then it may have natural causes. Yellowing leaves are quite normal in the fall, because the plant sheds part of its foliage until the onset of winter. However, if this process becomes too much, then it is usually responsible for errors in care and location, which can be reversed by taking appropriate measures.
Bamboo is an evergreen plant, so even in winter it retains its leaves with the bright green color. Only in the following spring, the plant sheds part of its old leaves, when the new shoots are formed. In the course of this renewal, it is quite normal that the bamboo appears withered. However, if leaf fall becomes rampant, then this may indicate that the plant is not comfortable in its location or that the measures taken to care for it are not correct. The plant does not tolerate too heavy and impermeable planting substrates, as well as extremely shady, cool and windy places. Any drought damage should be detected and treated in time, otherwise the entire perennial may die.
- Drought damage leads to dead leaves
- Plant has high water requirements at all times of the year
- Always water additionally during dry weather conditions
- Plant the plant early in the year
- Ideal time is either spring or summer
- Generally sheds leaves growing in the shade
- Important process for continued regeneration of foliage
- There is also a high demand for nutrients
- Apply fertilizer periodically during the growing season
- Pay attention to bright and light locations
- Needs light and permeable soil
- Loosen compacted soil and mix with sand
Tip: If the plant is planted only in autumn, then it is usually too late. The bamboo then can not acclimatize properly and also does not form enough fibrous roots to survive the winter without damage}
Measures
Most of the bamboo varieties available in this country can tolerate low temperatures in winter. Therefore, the hardy bamboo usually does not mind the local cold. However, the cold drought can cause problems, especially if this winter drought lasts longer. Since the plant thrives as an evergreen, it still evaporates moisture during the winter months. However, since the bamboo cannot independently supply itself with water from the firmly frozen soil, drought damage occurs afterwards. Therefore, as a rule, the perennial is not frozen, but dried up, because the roots gradually die. In addition, each bamboo generally requires 3 to 5 years to properly establish itself in the respective location and to root well. It is only after this period that full winter hardiness is achieved.
- Mainly hardy up to -25° C
- In frozen soil, water no longer penetrates to the roots
- Therefore water additionally in winter
- During longer frost phases use lukewarm watering water
- Water even on frost-free winter days
- Give larger watering units on extremely sunny days
- Watering is also important for potted plants
- Ensure good winter protection
- Cover the soil underneath the plant
- Suitable for this are reed mats, straw bales, fleece or bubble wrap.
- Alternatively, use dry autumn leaves or brushwood
- Tie the plant tightly in winter
Pruning
Even if the bamboo looks very dried up, there is still hope for regeneration, even a strong leaf fall is quite normal for the plant. Since the perennial is extremely robust, it survives even prolonged periods of drought. To revitalize the plant, pruning is recommended. Often the center of the plant is severely dried out because it does not get enough light. If the perennial is thinned out regularly, then the inside of the plant will also remain green. When cutting back, even a radical approach is possible, because in the spring new leaves will sprout and the plant can once again unfold its elegant appearance.
- Cut off dry, sallow and brown bamboo culms.
- When cutting, proceed as deeply as possible
- In extreme cases, cut back even to the ground
- Use only sharp and disinfected cutting tools
- Do not squeeze stalks unnecessarily to avoid injuries
Tip: In addition, the tips can be shortened a little so that even more light can reach the inside of the plant and sufficient photosynthesis is ensured in all areas}
Conclusion
When bamboo loses its leaves, it is a normal process during the annual growing season. A degeneration during leaf fall can be prevented by sufficient water and fertilizer applications. Especially in the winter months, watering should not be forgotten, otherwise winter drought will occur and the plant will look frostbitten.
