Bamboo Propagation trough Branch Cuttings

Growing bamboo through branch cuttings is one of our favorite bamboo propagation methods because it's fast, simple, economical, and it doesn't require a lot of space.

Thick-walled bamboo species such as Guadua Angustifolia have prominent primary branches. These branches can be extracted without damaging the mother clump and are an excellent planting material.

Bamboo Propagation

Branches should preferably be cut at a young to intermediate maturity (1-2 years) to guarantee a high survival rate.

How to propagate bamboo trough branch cuttings?

• Select a culm of intermediate maturity and trim the primary branches. Discard the top portion leaving 2-3 nodes and the basal swell. These cuttings are usually around 30cm long.
• Alternatively (to give faster results) dip the bamboo cuttings in a growth regulator mixture or rooting hormone for 24 hours, and seal the top cut end with wax to prevent desiccation.
• Plant the cuttings vertically (preferably in a slight angle), either in polybags or raised beds in such a way that the rhizomatous swelling and one node remain below the soil surface and at least one or two nodes above the surface.
• Keep the polybags under partial shade (agro shade nets provide 75% shade) and water the soil daily.
• The first sprouting and rooting may already appear 3-5 weeks after planting. However you should leave the bamboo plants in the polybags for another 6 months to maximum 1 year until fully rooted and rhizomed. The new bamboo plants will then be ready for transplanting in the next rainy season.