Arrow bamboo 'Akebonosuji' Pseudosasa japonica 'Akebonosuji' (v)

Water

Arrow Bamboo should be watered deeply and allowed to dry slightly between waterings, usually about once a week depending on climate and soil conditions. The plant prefers consistent moisture but does not tolerate standing water. During the active growing season in spring and summer, it may require watering two to three times per week. Provide approximately two gallons of water per plant for each watering, ensuring water penetrates the soil to reach the root zone. Reduce watering in the cooler months to prevent root rot and adjust according to rainfall.

Light

Arrow Bamboo thrives in a spot with partial shade to full sun exposure. It is tolerant of a range of light conditions but should be protected from the intense, hot afternoon sun in warmer climates to prevent leaf scorch. The ideal location would provide morning sunlight with some dappled shade in the afternoon, maintaining the vibrant colors of the leaves.

Temperature

Arrow Bamboo can survive temperatures as low as 5 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 95 degrees Fahrenheit, making it quite hardy. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 30 degrees and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to provide a mulch layer to protect the roots in areas with severe winter temperatures.

Pruning

Arrow Bamboo should be pruned to maintain its shape, remove any dead or damaged canes, and encourage new growth. Pruning is best done in the late winter or early spring before new shoots emerge. Cut canes at ground level for a cleaner look and to stimulate new shoots. Thin the clumps every few years to prevent over-crowding. Pruning once a year is usually enough to keep the bamboo healthy and attractive.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Arrow Bamboo prefers a well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter. The best mix would contain garden soil, compost, and perlite or sand to improve drainage. Aim for a soil pH between 5.5 and 7.0 for optimal growth.

Repotting

Arrow Bamboo should be repotted when it outgrows its container, which can be every 2-3 years. Monitor root growth and repot in the spring for best results.

Humidity & Misting

Arrow Bamboo thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 40% and 60%. Avoid placing it in overly dry environments to maintain its health.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and water well.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade, ensure soil drainage.

• Hardiness zone

  6-10 USDA

Life cycle

Arrow Bamboo 'Akebonosuji' (Pseudosasa japonica 'Akebonosuji' (v)), like other bamboo species, begins its life as a seed, although it's commonly propagated through division or culm cuttings to maintain its variegated pattern. After germination, it enters a phase of rapid vegetative growth, where shoots develop into tall, woody culms with distinctive green and yellow-striped leaves. As the bamboo matures, it forms dense clumps, with new shoots emerging from the ground each growing season, a process that can be especially vigorous in the spring. Over several years, these clumps can become quite large, and the plant may need to be divided to manage its size and promote healthy growth. Arrow Bamboo is a monocarpic plant, meaning it flowers infrequently; flowering cycles can range from several decades to more than a century, and after flowering, the bamboo typically dies. However, since flowering is rare and unpredictable, most of the life of Arrow Bamboo 'Akebonosuji' is spent in the vegetative stage, where it provides a lush, evergreen presence in the landscape.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Pseudosasa japonica 'Akebonosuji', commonly known as Variegated Arrow Bamboo, is typically propagated through division. The most popular method involves separating the rhizomes, which are the underground stems from which the shoots emerge. This is ideally done in the spring, just as new growth begins. During division, a segment of the rhizome with at least one or two growing points, or 'culms', should be carefully excavated. It is important to use a sharp spade or knife to separate the rhizome from the main plant. Once separated, the rhizome can be planted in a pot with well-draining soil or directly into the ground at the same depth it was growing originally. Adequate watering and protection from direct sunlight are essential until the new plant establishes.