I 've grown bamboo in containers for many years. I've read all I can find on the subject and talked to many customers growing bamboo indoors. Here's what I've learned.

First of all you should choose as large a contanier as possible. Bamboo is a fast growing plant and needs plenty of room. I would suggest at least a 10 gallon size container at a minimum. A short and fat container is better than a tall and skinny one - these running bamboos likes to spread out. The container must have drainage as most bamboos won't survive if the roots stay wet. WIthin a few years (or less) the bamboo will likely fill the container and become root bound. At this point you can either move it up to a larger container or remove it from the container, remove some of the roots and soil and replant in the same container with fresh soil.

All I sell are cold hardy, running type bamboos. Tropical clumpers are very different. The runners really need a dormant period. Outside, this is triggered by the shorter days of winter and colder temperatures. Indoors this won't happen so you should give the plant less water during the winter, giving it a chance to rest. It will likely lose a lot of leaves during this time but should re-leaf when you start watering and feeding regularly in the spring. If at all possible you should give the bamboo supplemental lighting, especially during the active growing period. Another problem with indoor culture is the low humidity of most homes. A good method for increasing humidity is to place a tray of pebbles with a little water in them, under the plant. This will increase the humididty in the immediate area. Misting the plants regularly will also help. You might consider grouping several plants together and using a humiditifier in that area.

Bamboo can easily be pruned to control the height, just don't try growing a "giant bamboo" in a room with 8 foot ceilings! Some of the bamboos that often do well indoors are Arrow Bamboo (P.japonica), Broadleaf Bamboo (I.latifolius), Giant Leaf (I.tessalatus), and the Hibanobambusa species. Okuboi bamboo is a good bamboo for a something a little taller and has canes that stay upright and vertical. Most Phyllostachys do well if they receive plenty of light, preferrably in an east or south facing window. You should also keep your bamboo "groomed". Remove any dead canes or those that are unsightly. You may want to remove some lower limbs to show off the canes.

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