Fargesia 'Rufa' - Non-spreading bamboo

Fargesia Rufa, a beautiful non-spreading bamboo known for its bushy growth and beautiful green leaves. This versatile plant thrives in various environments, from sun to shade, and can cope well with different weather conditions. With a height of 2 to 3 meters, depending on the location, Fargesia Rufa is perfect for creating an evergreen hedge or as a solitary plant in a pot or flower box. Originally from China, this bamboo also easily survives the winter in the Netherlands and Belgium. With minimal care and pruning, Fargesia Rufa offers a beautiful addition to any garden or balcony, both in shape and atmosphere.

The Fargesia 'Rufa' - Non-spreading bamboo likes a sip of water

Fargesia Rufa, also known as non-spreading bamboo, has an average to high water requirement, especially during the growth period and warm periods. It is essential to provide the plants with sufficient water regularly, especially immediately after planting and during dry periods. Plants in pots and flower boxes can dry out even faster and therefore require extra care. Pay close attention to the leaves, because if they start to hang or roll up, this can be a sign of drought. By watering on time, the plants will recover quickly and thrive beautifully again. It is advisable to check pots and containers for moisture and to water regularly, especially in winter when the soil can be drier. With the right water care, the Fargesia Rufa will continue to grow healthily and vigorously, both in the garden and in pots or flower boxes.

Summer

During the summer it is very important that this plant, when it is outside, is kept well moist. Especially during the warm days it should be watered every day, so that the root ball is well moist. On the less warm days this can sometimes be skipped for a few days. This is so important because otherwise the plant 'drinks' moisture from its leaves, causing it to become dry and eventually die. This should of course be prevented.

Winter

When winter is just around the corner, the rules are reversed! If the Fargesia 'Rufa' - Non-spreading bamboo is outside, it must remain dry so that the moisture does not freeze and damage the plant. The Fargesia 'Rufa' - Non-spreading bamboo does not suffer from a dry root ball during this period, it is in a kind of hibernation!
When the plant is kept indoors during the winter it should be kept slightly moist, so not soaking wet (as in summer), but just so that the root ball feels slightly damp.

General rules

In addition to the above guidelines, it is best to follow these rules:

First, give the plant a little water. If the soil is dry within 2 days, it means it needs a little more water. Adjust the amount of water until it still feels slightly moist between 2 and 5 days after watering, and almost dry after 5 days. If it feels very wet after 5 days, wait until it is almost dry and water again, but reduce the amount.

Spraying

We recommend that you spray the Fargesia 'Rufa' - Non-spreading bamboo with water weekly. However, we do not recommend this during hot summer days, so that you do it either in the evening after sunset, or on days when the sun shines little, because the water droplets bundle the incoming sunlight into small points that become very hot. These cause the leaves to dry out, or even burn through.
Apart from the detrimental effect of bright sunlight on wet leaves, misting has beneficial effects for your Fargesia 'Rufa' - Non-spreading Bamboo . Namely, it removes dust from the leaves, allowing them to better absorb sunlight and appear more beautiful, and it prevents certain types of pests.

Where is the best place to place the Fargesia 'Rufa' - Non-spreading bamboo?

The Fargesia Rufa is a versatile bamboo that is suitable for both the garden and in a planter on your balcony or terrace. This non-spreading bamboo thrives in both sunny and shady spots. It has no specific preference for soil type, as long as it is not too dry or too wet. The plant can withstand heavy rainfall, wet periods and even a harsh winter. This makes the Fargesia Rufa a strong choice for our climate in the Netherlands and Belgium. It is an evergreen plant that retains its leaves in mild winters, but the leaves can temporarily fall in cold periods. A sheltered location promotes the preservation of the green leaves and ensures a vital bamboo plant. Just like in the nature parks of China, where the plant originally comes from, the Fargesia Rufa can thrive in different light conditions and provides a beautiful green addition to any environment.

Light

The Fargesia 'Rufa' - Non-spreading bamboo is a plant that likes a fair amount of sunlight. It likes to be in full sun or half shade, taking in all the light. Is it indoors? Then it wants a spot near a window or where light comes in. The Fargesia 'Rufa' - Non-spreading bamboo requires at least 1 to 3 hours of direct sunlight per day

Wind

Make sure that the Fargesia 'Rufa' - Non-invasive bamboo experiences as little wind as possible. Wind can damage the leaves, causing them to die off more quickly. A little wind is no problem.

Temperature requirements

At least fully winter hardy during the day
At least fully winter hardy at night

Repotting, why and when?

Repotting the Fargesia Rufa is essential for the good growth and health of the plant. It is advisable to repot the bamboo every 2 to 3 years, especially when you notice that the roots are starting to fill the pot. You can check this by carefully removing the plant from the pot and looking at the roots. If the roots completely cover the pot and grow in tangles, it is time to repot the plant.

The best time to repot the Fargesia Rufa is in the spring, before the growing season starts. Choose a larger pot with fresh potting soil that is well-draining. This gives the bamboo enough space to grow further and prevents the roots from getting pinched. Don't forget to water the plant well after repotting and continue the care as usual, so that the Fargesia Rufa can quickly adapt to its new pot.

General rules

When the Fargesia 'Rufa' - Non-spreading bamboo has rooted (often every 2-3 years) we recommend repotting it in the spring. If it is always indoors, it does not matter. If it is outdoors, it is not a problem to repot it in the summer, but we advise against it in the autumn and winter, because it will not grow and root optimally then. This can make it somewhat weak, and possibly suffer damage from frost.

When you choose to repot your Fargesia 'Rufa' - Non-spreading bamboo, choose a nice pot that is twice the size of the root ball. Place a layer of hydro grains at the bottom of the new pot, for better moisture control. It will thank you for that. Fill this layer with some Mediterranean potting soil. This type of soil ensures that the Fargesia 'Rufa' - Non-spreading bamboo roots optimally and is fed. Then you can place the root ball on the ground. Make sure that the top of the root ball is slightly below the edge of the pot. Aim for a difference of 2 to 6 cm. This difference ensures that the water does not run off the root ball when you water it.
Every year you should replace the top layer of soil, because it hardens and 'wears out' in nutrients, due to regular watering and because of the sunlight on the upper edge of the root ball.

Provide the Fargesia 'Rufa' - Non-spreading bamboo with good nutrition

Nutrition is essential for the health and growth of the Fargesia Rufa bamboo. To ensure that this plant thrives, it needs regular fertilizer. It is recommended to fertilize the Fargesia Rufa twice a year, in the spring around March and in the fall around September. This will replenish the necessary nutrients and stimulate the growth of the plant. During or immediately after planting, it is also important to provide the bamboo with good fertilizer. Remember that wintergreen and evergreen plants such as the Fargesia Rufa can receive fertilizer all year round, so if you forget to fertilize once in the spring or fall, that is not a problem.

It is advisable to choose a fertilizer that is specifically formulated for bamboo or ornamental grasses. Follow the instructions on the packaging for the correct dosage and time of application. By fertilizing regularly, you give the Fargesia Rufa the nutrients it needs to grow healthily and lushly. Do not forget to water the bamboo well after fertilizing to allow the fertilizers to be absorbed into the soil and used optimally. With the right nutrition and care, the Fargesia Rufa will be a beautiful addition to your garden or balcony for years to come.

Diseases and pests

It is good to know that the Fargesia Rufa is a strong and versatile plant that fits well in various gardens and outdoor spaces. With its beautiful green leaves and bushy growth, this bamboo not only offers an aesthetically pleasing addition, but also practical benefits such as privacy and atmosphere.

It is important to understand that even strong plants like Fargesia Rufa can be susceptible to diseases and pests. However, with the right knowledge and care, these problems can often be prevented or combated.

A common disease in bamboo is bamboo rust, a fungal disease that causes orange or reddish-brown spots on the leaves. To combat this disease, it is important to remove affected leaves and to aerate the plant well. In addition, it can help to ensure sufficient space between the plants and to prevent the leaves from remaining wet.

Another problem that can occur with bamboo is leaf mold, which results in brown spots and deformed leaves. To prevent this, it is essential to regularly inspect the plants and remove affected leaves. Also, make sure that the plant gets enough airflow and avoid excess water on the leaves.

In terms of pests, the Fargesia Rufa can be susceptible to aphids, spider mites and snails. Aphids can be controlled with insecticidal soap or by encouraging natural enemies such as ladybirds. Spider mites can be treated with neem oil or predatory mites. Snails can be repelled by placing copper strips around the planter, for example.

It is always advisable to take preventive measures, such as regular inspections, keeping the environment clean and providing optimal growing conditions. If a problem does occur, it is important to intervene quickly and effectively to prevent further spread.

By taking good care of your Fargesia Rufa and being alert to possible diseases and pests, you can continue to enjoy this beautiful and versatile bamboo in your garden or outdoor space. With the right attention and care, this plant can be a valuable addition to your green oasis for years to come.

How and when to prune Fargesia 'Rufa' - Non-spreading bamboo?

The leaves of the Fargesia 'Rufa' - Non-spreading bamboo will eventually wither. If this is the case with a leaf, you can simply cut the stem close to the trunk. It is not a problem to cut off an entire leaf with the stem of the plant. This is the way the plant forms its trunk.

How can I propagate the Fargesia 'Rufa' - Non-spreading bamboo?

The Fargesia Rufa can be propagated by taking root cuttings. This is best done in spring or autumn. Dig up a part of the root ball and cut it into pieces of about 10-15 cm long. Then plant the root cuttings in a pot with moist potting soil and place them in a warm, light place. Keep the soil constantly moist and over time the root cuttings will grow and form new plants. Propagation by seed is also possible, but can take longer and is less predictable than propagation by root cuttings. Propagating the Fargesia Rufa is a fun way to get more of this beautiful and strong plant for your garden or balcony.