Arrow Bamboo Plant Care
Pseudosasa japonica Makino
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Pseudosasa japonica, the arrow bamboo, is a species of bamboo in the grass family Poaceae native to Japan and Korea, but planted worldwide as a horticultural plant.
Every 7–14 days
Partial to full shade
50–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Arrow Bamboo?
Water Arrow 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 50–85°F (10–29°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Arrow Bamboo Native To?
What Is the Arrow Bamboo?
Arrow Bamboo (Pseudosasa japonica) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Pseudosasa genus. Arrow Bamboo is native to Japan and Korea. Arrow Bamboo is also known as Japanese Arrow Bamboo, Yadake.
Arrow Bamboo displays a clumping bamboo, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Arrow Bamboo produces small inconspicuous flowers, rare in cultivation.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Arrow Bamboo?
Pseudosasa japonica 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 Arrow Bamboo Need?
Arrow Bamboo thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Arrow 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 Arrow Bamboo Prefer?
Pseudosasa japonica grows best at temperatures of 50–85°F. Arrow Bamboo prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Arrow Bamboo?
Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Arrow Bamboo to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Arrow Bamboo?
Feed Arrow 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 Arrow Bamboo?
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 Arrow Bamboo?
Arrow Bamboo can be propagated through division of rhizomes, rhizome cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to bamboo plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Arrow Bamboo Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Arrow 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 Arrow Bamboo?
Arrow Bamboo is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, bamboo 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 Arrow Bamboo Need?
Arrow Bamboo grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Arrow Bamboo is native to Japan and Korea. In cooler regions, grow Arrow Bamboo as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Arrow 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 Pseudosasa genus — compare its care with other Pseudosasa species on PlantoScan.
Pseudosasa is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Arrow 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: Pseudosasa japonica Makino, family Poaceae (first published in J. Jap. Bot. ii. 15 (1920).) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Arrow 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.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- 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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