Bambusa Multiplex Tiny Fern Care

Location

• "Tiny Fern" is quite cold hardy, growing in U.S. Department of Agriculture zone 8 and above. "Fernleaf" may be grown up to USDA zone 10. "Tiny Fern" can tolerate temperatures as low as 19 degrees Fahrenheit without dropping its charming leaves. Provide a location with some protection from cold, drying winds, such as the side of a building. The plant prefers full sunlight and may be grown indoors if placed in front of a sunny south- or west-facing window.

Soil

• Plant "Tiny Fern" in well-draining, loamy soil. Bamboo Garden recommends working compost or well-rotted manure into the planting hole and then covering the top of soil with a 2- to 3-inch layer of compost after the bamboo has been planted. Water frequently for the first growing season to help the young bamboo form a deep, healthy root system. Once established, "Tiny Fern" is fairly drought tolerant, though it will still look better with supplemental watering.

Mulch

• Mulch is greatly beneficial to bamboo health, retaining moisture in the soil and helping to suppress competitive weeds. Spread about 2 or 3 inches of organic mulch over the root area after planting and replace as needed throughout the growing season. Organic grass clippings make an excellent mulch due to their high nitrogen and silica content. You can leave dropped bamboo leaves under "Tiny Fern," as they act as a natural mulch and provide silica to the plant.

Maintenance

• Bamboo are nitrogen-hungry plants that like to feed heavily. Fertilize two or three times a year with a timed-release lawn fertilizer rich in nitrogen, such as a 21-5-6 fertilizer. About half a pound of nitrogen fertilizer is sufficient per 100 square feet. Mist indoor plants occasionally with rainwater or demineralized tap water to increase humidity. Spider mites may appear in hot weather, particularly if the bamboo is drought stressed. Regular watering and fertilizing will often remedy the problem.