Bergbambos tessellata Plant Care

Bergbambos tessellata (Nees) Stapleton

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Bergbambos tessellata is a bamboo native to the south-eastern highlands of South Africa and Lesotho. It is the sole species in the monotypic genus Bergbambos, belonging to the family Poaceae.

🌾Grains & Cereals🎋Grasses & Bamboo
Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

60–85°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Bergbambos tessellata?

Water Bergbambos tessellata 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 60–85°F (16–29°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Bergbambos tessellata Native To?

Native range2 countries

What Is the Bergbambos tessellata?

Bergbambos tessellata (Bergbambos tessellata) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Bergbambos genus. Bergbambos tessellata is native to the south-eastern highlands of South Africa and Lesotho.

Bergbambos tessellata displays a tall, clumping grass growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Bergbambos tessellata produces small inconspicuous flowers on tall spikes.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Bergbambos tessellata?

Bergbambos tessellata 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 Bergbambos tessellata Need?

Bergbambos tessellata thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Bergbambos tessellata Prefer?

Bergbambos tessellata grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Bergbambos tessellata prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

60–85°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Bergbambos tessellata?

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Bergbambos tessellata to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Bergbambos tessellata?

Feed Bergbambos tessellata 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 Bergbambos tessellata?

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 Bergbambos tessellata?

Bergbambos tessellata can be propagated through division, rhizome cuttings.

Is the Bergbambos tessellata Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Bergbambos tessellata, 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 Bergbambos tessellata?

Bergbambos tessellata is susceptible to grasshoppers, 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 Bergbambos tessellata Need?

Bergbambos tessellata grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Bergbambos tessellata is native to the south-eastern highlands of South Africa and Lesotho. In cooler regions, grow Bergbambos tessellata as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a

Keep exploring plants

Bergbambos tessellata 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 Bergbambos genus — compare its care with other Bergbambos species on PlantoScan.

Bergbambos is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.

Bergbambos tessellata thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

Related Plant Care Guides

Closely related plants with similar care requirements:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Bergbambos tessellata (Nees) Stapleton, family Poaceae (first published in PhytoKeys 25: 99 (2013)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Bergbambos tessellata, 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 13a, 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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