Sticky Bamboo Plant Care
Aulonemia viscosa (Hitchc.) McClure
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Featuring striking glossy green leaves that are twisted and slightly hairy, this plant originates from the high-altitude regions of South America. Plant collectors are drawn to Aulonemia viscosa for its unique appearance and ability to thrive in cooler climates, making it a desirable addition to any exotic plant collection.
Every 7–14 days
Partial to full shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Sticky Bamboo?
Water Sticky 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 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Sticky Bamboo Native To?
What Is the Sticky Bamboo?
Sticky Bamboo (Aulonemia viscosa) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Aulonemia genus. Sticky Bamboo is native to Costa Rica and Venezuela. Sticky Bamboo is also known as Viscous Aulonemia.
Sticky Bamboo displays a clumping, spreading grass growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Sticky Bamboo produces small inconspicuous flowers in spikelets.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Sticky Bamboo?
Aulonemia viscosa 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 Sticky Bamboo Need?
Sticky Bamboo thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Sticky 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 Sticky Bamboo Prefer?
Aulonemia viscosa grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Sticky Bamboo prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Sticky Bamboo?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Sticky Bamboo to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Sticky Bamboo?
Feed Sticky 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 Sticky Bamboo?
Divide clumps every 2-3 years. 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 Sticky Bamboo?
Sticky Bamboo can be propagated through division, rhizome cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to aulonemia amplissima plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Sticky Bamboo Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Sticky 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 Sticky Bamboo?
Sticky Bamboo is susceptible to aphids, grasshoppers, 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 Sticky Bamboo Need?
Sticky Bamboo grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Sticky Bamboo is native to Costa Rica and Venezuela. In cooler regions, grow Sticky Bamboo as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Sticky 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 Aulonemia genus — compare its care with other Aulonemia species on PlantoScan.
Aulonemia is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Sticky Bamboo copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Aulonemia Species
Other Aulonemia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Aulonemia viscosa (Hitchc.) McClure, family Poaceae (first published in Smithsonian Contr. Bot. 9: 61 (1973)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Sticky 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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