Fountain Bamboo Plant Care
Fargesia nitida (Mitford) Keng f. ex T.P.Yi
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Fargesia nitida, commonly named blue fountain bamboo, is a clumping bamboo native to Sichuan, China. it is medium to small and very cold-hardy, but not tolerant of very high summer temperatures.
Every 7–14 days
Partial to full shade
20–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Fountain Bamboo?
Water Fountain 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 20–80°F (-7–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Fountain Bamboo Native To?
What Is the Fountain Bamboo?
Fountain Bamboo (Fargesia nitida) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Fargesia genus. Fountain Bamboo is native to Sichuan, China. Fountain Bamboo is also known as Fargesia Nitida.
Fountain Bamboo displays a clumping bamboo growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Fountain Bamboo produces small inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Fountain Bamboo?
Fargesia nitida 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 Fountain Bamboo Need?
Fountain Bamboo thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Fountain 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 Fountain Bamboo Prefer?
Fargesia nitida grows best at temperatures of 20–80°F. Fountain Bamboo prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
20–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Fountain Bamboo?
Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Fountain Bamboo to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Fountain Bamboo?
Feed Fountain 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 Fountain Bamboo?
Repot every 2-3 years in 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 Fountain Bamboo?
Fountain Bamboo can be propagated through division, rhizome cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to fargesia bamboo plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Fountain Bamboo Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Fountain 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 Fountain Bamboo?
Fountain 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 Fountain Bamboo Need?
Fountain Bamboo grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Fountain Bamboo is native to Sichuan, China. In cooler regions, grow Fountain Bamboo as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 9a
Keep exploring plants
Fountain 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 Fargesia genus — compare its care with other Fargesia species on PlantoScan.
Fargesia is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Fountain 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: Fargesia nitida (Mitford) Keng f. ex T.P.Yi, family Poaceae (first published in J. Bamboo Res. 4(2): 30 (1985)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Fountain 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 9a, 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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