Timor Black Bamboo Plant Care
Bambusa lako Widjaja
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Bambusa lako, known as Timor black bamboo, is a large species of bamboo originating from the island of Timor; its black culms may reach 21 m (69 ft) in height. A 2000 molecular study places it as closely related to the similar Indonesian species Gigantochloa atroviolacea, from which it was separated in 1997; it may soon be placed in that genus.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–90°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Timor Black Bamboo?
Water Timor Black Bamboo every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–90°F (10–32°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
What Is the Timor Black Bamboo?
Timor Black Bamboo (Bambusa lako) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Bambusa genus. Timor Black Bamboo is native to the island of Timor. Timor Black Bamboo is also known as Black Bamboo.
Timor Black Bamboo displays a tall, clumping grass growth habit, reaching up to 25 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Timor Black Bamboo produces small inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Timor Black Bamboo?
Bambusa lako 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 Timor Black Bamboo Need?
Timor Black Bamboo thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Timor Black Bamboo Prefer?
Bambusa lako grows best at temperatures of 50–90°F. Timor Black Bamboo prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–90°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Timor Black Bamboo?
Rich, loamy soil with good drainage. Good drainage is essential for Timor Black Bamboo to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Timor Black Bamboo?
Feed Timor Black 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 Timor Black 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 Timor Black Bamboo?
Timor Black Bamboo can be propagated through division, rhizome cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to hedge bamboo plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Timor Black Bamboo Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Timor Black 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 Timor Black Bamboo?
Timor Black Bamboo is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, 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 Timor Black Bamboo Need?
Timor Black Bamboo grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Timor Black Bamboo is native to the island of Timor. In cooler regions, grow Timor Black Bamboo as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Timor Black 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 Bambusa genus — compare its care with other Bambusa species on PlantoScan.
Bambusa is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Timor Black Bamboo thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Bambusa Species
Other Bambusa species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Bambusa lako Widjaja, family Poaceae (first published in Reinwardtia 11: 61 (1997)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Timor Black 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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