Different Types of Indoor Bamboo Plants (House Plant Species)

You have ample choices to pick a bamboo houseplant for your home interiors. One variety that deserves a special mention is the lucky bamboo. Other options you have are Black Bamboo, Buddha Belly Bamboo, etc.

Types of Bamboo House Plants

 

Whether you’re looking to add a tropical touch to your garden or bring some natural beauty into your home, bamboo plants are a great option. They have become increasingly popular as indoor plants due to their unique aesthetic appeal and low maintenance requirements.

 

Bamboo comes in many different varieties, each with its unique features and benefits. From towering giants that can reach over 100 feet tall to small, ornamental varieties that are perfect for indoor spaces, there is a bamboo plant for every need and preference.

 

Lucky bamboo, Golden bamboo, dwarf bamboo, and Black bamboo are some of the most popular types of indoor bamboo plants.

 

Bamboo is valued for its beauty, strength, and versatility. They can be used for a wide range of purposes, from building materials and furniture to paper products and textiles.

 

In addition, bamboo is known for its ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the air, making it an environmentally friendly choice for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

 

Overall, indoor bamboo plants offer a unique and elegant addition to any home or office space. With so many different types and varieties to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect bamboo plant to meet your needs and enhance your space.

 

Which Bamboo Plants Are Best for Indoors?

Bamboo Plants Are Best for Indoors
 
When it comes to indoor bamboo, among the different types several indoor bamboo species stand out. They thrive in low-light and low-maintenance conditions.
 
1. Lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana): Lucky bamboo is a popular indoor plant that can be grown in water or soil. It can tolerate low light and is relatively easy to care for.
 
2. Dwarf bamboo (Bambusa multiplex): Dwarf bamboo is a compact, slow-growing species that are well-suited for indoor growing. It prefers bright, indirect light and moderate moisture.
 
3. Heavenly bamboo (Nandinadomestica): Although not a true bamboo, heavenly bamboo is a popular indoor plant that has bamboo-like foliage. It prefers bright, indirect light and moderate watering.
 
4. Bamboo palm (Chamaedoreaseifrizii): The bamboo palm is a tropical species that are well-suited for indoor growing. It prefers bright, indirect light and moist soil.
 
5. Feather bamboo (Chusqueaculeou): Feather bamboo is a species that can tolerate low light and can be grown in containers indoors. It prefers moist soil and high humidity.
 
We will get into the details of a few of these and some other varieties in the next section.

 

Different Types of Bamboo House Plants

  1. Lucky Bamboo Houseplant
  2. Black Bamboo Indoor Houseplant
  3. Hill Cane
  4. Chinese Bamboo
  5. Arrow Bamboo
  6. Golden Bamboo Indoor Plant
  7. Dwarf Bamboo
  8. Buddha’s Belly

 

Apart from the special ones mentioned above, there are several kinds of bamboo houseplants that you can grow indoors. Each has a unique appearance and growing requirements. Here are some of the most popular types:
 

1. Lucky Bamboo Houseplant

 

Though we have mentioned it above. This deserves a detailed mention.

 

  • Lucky bamboo is often grown in water. It has a distinctive appearance with long, slender stems and spiral leaves. The stems are usually straight and green, with small, tuft-like roots growing from the base.
  • The leaves are dark green and can be either solid or variegated with yellow or white stripes. The leaves grow in a spiral pattern around the stem, giving the plant a unique, visually appealing appearance.
  • Lucky bamboo stems can grow anywhere from a few inches to several feet tall.
  • Like most of the different types of indoor bamboo plants if grown in soil, it prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
  • The optimal temperature range for most species is between 60 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Lucky bamboo can be placed in any room, but it is often recommended to keep it in the southeast corner of your home or office, as this is believed to attract wealth and good luck. It can also be placed in the east, which is associated with health and family, or the south, which is linked to fame and reputation.

 

2. Black Bamboo Indoor Houseplant

Black Bamboo Indoor Houseplant
 
Black bamboo (Phyllostachysnigra) is a beautiful and one of the unique types of bamboo house plants because of its color.

 

  • As the name suggests, black bamboo has dark-colored canes that can range from deep green to almost black. The canes have a smooth, glossy texture, with subtle ridges and nodes along their length.
  • Black bamboo has long, narrow leaves that are a bright green color. They are often slightly curved and have a pointed tip.
  • Black bamboo can grow quite tall, reaching heights of 20 to 30 feet in its natural habitat. However, when grown indoors, it can be kept to a more manageable size.
  • Black bamboo prefers well-draining soil and bright, indirect sunlight. It can also tolerate some shade, but avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves. It prefers moderate to high humidity levels and temperatures between 60°F and 75°F.
  • Black Bamboo can look great as a focal point in a living room, dining room, or bedroom. Place it near a bright window, but avoid direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves. Avoid placing it near drafty windows, air conditioning vents, or heating units.

 

3. Hill Cane

Hill Cane
 
Hill Cane (Arundinaria appalachiana) are the types of bamboo house plants that make an excellent choice for landscaping and can be grown in a variety of locations.

 

  • Hill cane bamboo is a clumping bamboo that typically grows to a height of 6-12 feet (1.8-3.7 meters) and has thin, dark green leaves that are about 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) long. However, indoor variety won’t go that tall.
  • Hill cane bamboo prefers moist, well-draining soil and partial shade. It can tolerate a range of temperatures and is hardy down to USDA Zone 6.
  • Hill cane bamboo is a relatively low-maintenance plant that can add a touch of natural beauty to your landscape. Make sure you plant it in a location with the proper light, soil, and water conditions, and give it enough space to grow and spread.

 

4. Chinese Bamboo

 
Chinese bamboo is a versatile and beautiful plant that is valued for its many uses and cultural significance.

 

  • Chinese bamboo can vary in appearance depending on the species, but most have slender, tall culms (stems) and lush green leaves. Some kinds of indoor bamboo plants of this variety have distinctive yellow or black coloring on the culms.
  • Chinese bamboo is known for its rapid growth, with some species capable of growing up to 3 feet (0.9 meters) per day under ideal conditions.
  • Chinese bamboo typically prefers full sun and moist, well-draining soil. It can tolerate a range of temperatures, but most species prefer warm, tropical climates. Some species are hardy down to USDA Zone 6.
  • Some species of Chinese bamboo can be grown as houseplants, especially those that are smaller and slower-growing.
  • To grow Chinese bamboo indoors, choose a container with good drainage and fill it with well-draining potting soil. Place the plant in a bright and sunny location. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and fertilize the plant regularly with a balanced fertilizer.

 

5. Arrow Bamboo

Arrow Bamboo
 
Arrow bamboo is one of the valued indoor bamboo varieties known for its ornamental value and is often used as a screening plant. It is also used for construction and furniture-making in some cultures.

 

  • Arrow bamboo has tall, slender culms (stems) that are typically green or yellow-green in color. The leaves are long and narrow.
  • The plant can grow up to 20 feet (6 meters) tall. Arrow bamboo is a relatively slow-growing bamboo, with an average growth rate of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters) per year.
  • Arrow bamboo prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight and well-draining soil that is moist but not waterlogged. It can tolerate a range of temperatures but prefers mild, temperate climates.
  • It is best to plant Arrow bamboo in a location that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. If you are planting arrow bamboo in a container, make sure the container has good drainage holes and fill it with well-draining potting soil.
  • Place the container in a location that receives partial shade or filtered sunlight, such as on a covered patio or under a tree.

 

6. Golden Bamboo Indoor Plant

 
Golden bamboo (Phyllostachysaurea) can be a beautiful and elegant addition to your different types of bamboo house plants collection.

  • Golden bamboo is a species of bamboo with bright yellow-green culms (stems). The leaves are typically dark green and can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) long. Golden bamboo forms dense clumps over time and can be used as a privacy screen or as an ornamental plant in gardens or landscapes.
  • It can grow up to 20 feet tall in the wild. However, when grown as an indoor plant or in a container, it typically grows to a smaller size and can be pruned to maintain a more manageable height.
  • The plant requires bright, indirect light to grow well indoors. It prefers warm temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C). Golden bamboo requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The plant prefers high humidity levels.
  • It’s best to place Golden bamboo near a sunny window that receives several hours of bright, indirect sunlight each day. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves and cause damage to the plant.
  • If you live in an area with hot, bright summers, consider moving the plant away from the window or providing it with some shade during the hottest part of the day. A warm, humid location, such as a bathroom or kitchen, can be especially beneficial for golden bamboo.

 

7. Dwarf Bamboo

Dwarf Bamboo
 
Dwarf bamboo is a smaller indoor bamboo species that is commonly used as an ornamental plant in gardens, landscapes, and indoor spaces.

 

  • Dwarf bamboo has slender, green culms (stems) and small leaves that give it a delicate appearance. It can form dense clumps over time and can be used as a ground cover or in containers.
  • As the name suggests, dwarf bamboo is a smaller species of bamboo that typically grows to a height of 2-4 feet tall.
  • Dwarf bamboo prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight. It requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. They grow best in warm temperatures ranging from 60-80°F. It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures but may be damaged by frost or freezing temperatures.
  • It is best to plant it in a location that receives morning sun and afternoon shade, or in a location that is shaded by trees or other tall plants.
  • Indoors, it can be placed near a bright window with filtered sunlight. It’s important to keep the plant in a location that is consistently warm and protected from cold drafts or temperature fluctuations.
  • It can benefit from being placed near a source of gentle heat, such as a radiator or heating vent, during cooler months. If you live in a cooler climate or have colder winters, you may need to bring your dwarf bamboo indoors during the winter months or provide it with some extra protection, such as covering it with a frost cloth or moving it to a warmer location.

 

8. Buddha’s Belly

 
Buddha’s Belly (Bambusaventricosa) gets its name from the bulbous, swollen internodes that resemble a “belly.” Among the different types of indoor bamboo plants, this one has bulbous unique stem.

 

  • Buddha’s belly has thick, lush foliage and an upright growth habit. The leaves are long and slender, with a dark green color and a glossy surface. The bamboo’s distinctive “bellies” or swollen segments appear along the length of the culm or stem, giving the plant a unique and eye-catching appearance.
  • It can grow up to 30 feet tall and 6 inches in diameter.
  • Buddha’s Belly Bamboo prefers to grow in partial shade or filtered sunlight. It thrives in well-draining, fertile soil that is slightly acidic with a pH level of 6.0 to 6.5. Buddha’s Belly Bamboo can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F for short periods, but it thrives in temperatures between 70°F to 90°F.
  • It is best to place it in a well-lit area with bright, indirect light. Keep the plant away from direct sunlight, as this can scorch its leaves. Avoid placing it in areas with cold drafts or temperature fluctuations.
  • If you live in a warm, humid climate, you can grow Buddha’s Belly Bamboo outdoors in partial shade or filtered sunlight. The plant should be protected from frost or cold drafts.

 

DID YOU KNOW: All types of bamboo can be categorized as clumping or running based on their growth habits.

 

Related: Indoor Water Plants | Indoor Palm Variety | Pine Trees Indoor | Types of Indoor Bonsai

 

How Can I Tell What Type of Bamboo I Have?

Identifying the species of bamboo can be a bit tricky as there are over 1,000 species of bamboo, and some of them may look very similar to each other. However, there are a few key features that can help you identify the type of indoor bamboo varieties you have:
 
1. Look at the leaves: Bamboo leaves can vary in size and shape depending on the species. Some have large, broad leaves, while others have narrow leaves. Take a close look at the shape, size, and texture of the leaves to help identify the species.
 
2. Check the stem color: The color of the stem can also be a clue to the species of bamboo. Some species have green stems, while others have yellow, black, or striped stems. Take note of the color and any patterns on the stem.
 
3. Measure the height: Bamboo can range in height from a few inches to over 100 feet tall. Measure the height of your bamboo plant to help narrow down the possible species.
 
4. Observe the growth pattern: Some species of bamboo grow in clumps, while others grow in a more spreading manner. Pay attention to how the bamboo is growing to help identify the species.
 
5. Seek expert help: If you’re having trouble identifying your bamboo, consider reaching out to a local horticulturist or bamboo expert. They may be able to provide more specific information based on the characteristics of your plant.
 

What Kind of Bamboo Is Good For Luck?

Dracaena Sanderiana (Lucky bamboo) is considered one of the luckiest indoor bamboo plant varieties in FengShui. Goddess of Mercy, Friendship bamboo, Belgian evergreen, and Sander’s Dracaena are the other names for this auspicious plant.