Black Bamboo Plant Care
Gigantochloa atter (Hassk.) Kurz
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Gigantochloa atter, also known as black bamboo, sweet bamboo, or giant atter, is a bamboo species belonging to the genus Gigantochloa. It grows up to 20 meters tall.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–85°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Black Bamboo?
Water 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 60–85°F (16–29°C) and 50–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Black Bamboo Native To?
What Is the Black Bamboo?
Black Bamboo (Gigantochloa atter) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Gigantochloa genus. Black Bamboo is native to Island Southeast Asia. Black Bamboo is also known as Atter Bamboo.
Black Bamboo displays a tall, clumping bamboo growth habit, reaching up to 15 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Black Bamboo produces small inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Black Bamboo?
Gigantochloa atter 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 Black Bamboo Need?
Black Bamboo thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Black Bamboo Prefer?
Gigantochloa atter grows best at temperatures of 60–85°F. Black Bamboo prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–85°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Black Bamboo?
Rich, loamy soil with good drainage. Good drainage is essential for Black Bamboo to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Black Bamboo?
Feed Black Bamboo every 6 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 6 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 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 Black Bamboo?
Black Bamboo can be propagated through division, rhizome cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to black bamboo plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Black Bamboo Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list 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 Black Bamboo?
Black 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 Black Bamboo Need?
Black Bamboo grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Black Bamboo is native to Island Southeast Asia. In cooler regions, grow Black Bamboo as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
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 Gigantochloa genus — compare its care with other Gigantochloa species on PlantoScan.
Gigantochloa is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Black Bamboo 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: Gigantochloa atter (Hassk.) Kurz, family Poaceae (first published in Natuurk. Tijdschr. Ned.-Indië 27: 226 (1864)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list 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 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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