Photo: Jason K.CC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Fortune's Bamboo Plant Care
Pleioblastus fortunei (v.Houtte) Nakai
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its strikingly variegated leaves that feature green and white stripes, this plant originates from China and Japan. Plant collectors are drawn to Pleioblastus fortunei for its unique appearance that adds a pop of color and texture to their gardens, making it a prized addition to any collection.
Every 7–14 days
Partial to full shade
50–80°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Fortune's Bamboo?
Water Fortune's Bamboo every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 50–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Fortune's Bamboo Native To?
What Is the Fortune's Bamboo?
Fortune's Bamboo (Pleioblastus fortunei) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Pleioblastus genus. Fortune's Bamboo is native to central and southern Japan, and has been introduced to southeast China, the North and South Islands of New Zealand, Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia in the United States, Columbia, South East Brazil and India. Fortune's Bamboo is also known as Striped Bamboo.
Fortune's Bamboo displays a clumping, spreading bamboo growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Fortune's Bamboo produces small inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Fortune's Bamboo?
Pleioblastus fortunei requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Fortune's Bamboo Need?
Fortune's Bamboo thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Fortune's Bamboo in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial to full shade
100–500 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Fortune's Bamboo Prefer?
Pleioblastus fortunei grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Fortune's Bamboo prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Fortune's Bamboo?
Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Fortune's Bamboo to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Fortune's Bamboo?
Feed Fortune's Bamboo every 8 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 8 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Fortune's Bamboo?
Divide and repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Fortune's Bamboo?
Fortune's Bamboo can be propagated through division, rhizome cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to greenstripe bamboo plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Fortune's Bamboo Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Fortune's Bamboo, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Fortune's Bamboo?
Fortune's Bamboo is susceptible to aphids, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Fortune's Bamboo Need?
Fortune's Bamboo grows outdoors in USDA Zone 5a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 5a. Fortune's Bamboo is native to central and southern Japan, and has been introduced to southeast China, the North and South Islands of New Zealand, Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia in the United States, Columbia, South East Brazil and India.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 5a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
Fortune's Bamboo is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Pleioblastus genus — compare its care with other Pleioblastus species on PlantoScan.
Pleioblastus is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Fortune's Bamboo copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Pleioblastus fortunei (v.Houtte) Nakai, family Poaceae (first published in J. Jap. Bot. 9: 232 (1933)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Fortune's Bamboo, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Jason K., CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 5a – 9b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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