Dividing and Repotting Indoor Bamboo (Indocalamus tessellatus)

Dividing Your Indoor Bamboo Plant

If you've been growing an Indocalamus tessellatus (often called giant leaf bamboo) indoors under artificial light and it's thriving with multiple stalks, you may want to divide it to create new plants. This shade-loving species is well-suited to office environments and can eventually reach 5–8 feet tall. While bamboo has a reputation for being invasive, I. tessellatus is only moderately so and can be managed in containers.

How to Divide the Stalks

The Oregon Bamboo Association provides an excellent illustrated guide on dividing bamboo, which you can download here: Dividing Bamboo PDF. The process generally involves:

• Removing the plant from its pot and gently loosening the root ball.
• Identifying natural divisions between the stalks (culms) where each has its own root system.
• Using a clean, sharp saw or knife to separate the divisions, ensuring each section retains a healthy portion of roots and rhizomes.
• Replanting each division in a suitable container with well-draining potting mix.
• Watering thoroughly and placing in similar light conditions.

Care Tips for Indoor Bamboo

Indocalamus tessellatus thrives in low to moderate light, making it ideal for artificial lighting. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. It appreciates humidity, so occasional misting or a pebble tray can help. Because it's cold-hardy, you could eventually move it outdoors in a shaded spot if desired, but it will continue to do well indoors with proper care.

For more on bamboo invasiveness ratings, see the Country What Not Gardens species list: Bamboo Descriptions.