Poaceae
Broad-leaf bamboo: Ground Cover Plant
Sasa palmata
Requires consistently moist, rich soil. While it tolerates shade, it prefers filtered light and must be contained by a root barrier when planted outdoors.
Every 3 days
Partial shade
-15° - 30°C
60% - 90%
Categories
What is Broad-leaf bamboo?
Broad-leaf bamboo (Sasa palmata) is a medium-care plant from the Poaceae family. Sasa palmata, also known as broad-leaf bamboo, is a running bamboo native to Japan. It is distinguished by its magnificent palmate leaves, which are wide, glossy green, and can reach up to 12 inches (30 cm) in length. It is a vigorous plant that forms dense thickets, making it ideal for creating pri...
Broad-leaf bamboo grows up to 2.5m, spread of 300cm, watering every 3 days, -15°C – 30°C, 60–90% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many popular species, Broad-leaf bamboo is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 7 days.
How to Care for Broad-leaf bamboo?
TLDR: Broad-leaf bamboo needs Partial shade, watering every 3 days, and temperatures between -15-30°C with 60-90% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Broad-leaf bamboo?
Never allow the root ball to dry out completely; this bamboo prefers to keep its roots cool and moist.
How Much Light Does Broad-leaf bamboo Need?
Prefers partial shade; direct sunlight can scorch its large leaves, while full shade will slow its growth rate.
What Is the Best Soil for Broad-leaf bamboo?
Use humus-rich, cool, and well-drained soil, preferably slightly acidic.
What Pot Should You Use for Broad-leaf bamboo?
A large, wide, and deep container with a solid barrier to contain the running rhizomes.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
Misting
Every 2 days
Repot
Every 730 days
What Is Broad-leaf bamboo and Where Does It Come From?
Sasa palmata, also known as broad-leaf bamboo, is a running bamboo native to Japan. It is distinguished by its magnificent palmate leaves, which are wide, glossy green, and can reach up to 12 inches (30 cm) in length. It is a vigorous plant that forms dense thickets, making it ideal for creating privacy screens or covering slopes. In winter, the leaf margins tend to dry out slightly, creating a decorative creamy-white border.
How to Propagate Broad-leaf bamboo?
Division
- Keep the soil very moist during the first few weeks following division.
- 1 Extraction
Dig up a section of the plant using a sharp spade, ensuring you include several healthy rhizomes.
- 2 Separation
Separate the rhizomes, making sure to keep roots and at least one stem (culm) per section.
- 3 Planting
Replant immediately in a rich potting mix and water thoroughly.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Broad-leaf bamboo Grow?
TLDR: Broad-leaf bamboo can reach up to 2.5m tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
2.5m
Spread
3.0m
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Ground Cover
Soil coverage
Edible
Can be consumed
Medicinal Uses
- The leaves have antibacterial and antioxidant properties and are traditionally used in herbal infusions
Culinary Uses
- Young shoots are edible after being cooked
- Leaves are sometimes used to wrap sushi or steamed foods
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
Meaning & Symbolism
Represents resilience and protection in Japanese culture.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
