Question
I have three thriving bamoo palms. However, as the stalks start to exceed 6 feet, they are starting to bend instead of growing straight up,  and threaten to fall. I've seen these plants grow to eight feet and stay straight up, but mine aren't. What to do? thanks, ingrid wiegand

Answer
Hi Ingrid,

I have grown dozens of bamboo palms (Chamaedorea) over the years and I understand exactly what you are referring to.

The height that these palms reach (without bending) is primarily a function of how much light they receive. In optimum light, the stems are thicker and can grow taller without bending. In reduced light, the stems are thinner and eventually reach a height where they become top heavy. This is particularly true when the light comes primarily from the side as opposed to overhead, as it would outdoors or in a greenhouse. Typically, they have lost many of their lower branches when they reach that "bendable" height.

In my experience, bamboo palms start to look ungainly when stems get too tall and lose their lower leaves. Before that occurs, I usually cut off individual stems at the base and discard them. This pruning will help promote new stems that will emerge from the soil and help fill in the lower region that has started to get sparse. By selectively pruning back stems as they becopme too tall, you will keep the plant looking fuller and more compact.

BTW, the cut stems will not root in soil or water.

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

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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