Question
My bamboo palm is 12' tall and upright-not bending except where it hits the ceiling.  It is a bit sparse to me and I was wondering if I could "Top" it.  I do not want to cut any of the branches from the bottom as this would make it look more spindly.

Answer
Hi Jackie,

Once any stem of a Bamboo Palm is cut back that stem gradually dies back. It does not send out any new growth lower down on the stem because it has only a single growing tip at the top.

However, because yours has some stems that are hitting the ceiling, you have no choice except to cut those stems all the way down. The good news is that pruning back stems often encourages new shoots to emerge from below the soil.

Improving the light just a bit may also promote more growth and keep it from looking sparse.

I have written an article on Palms that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who sends a request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

If this information has been helpful, please click the Rate Volunteer bar below and enter a rating and nomination for me. I am a volunteer on this site so Ratings are the only compensation I receive for answering plant questions.

Need more information? Visit my website at:
A link to HorticulturalHelp.com

or email me at [email protected] or call me at 917-887-8601 (EST)
 
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at: A link to HorticulturalHelp.com