Photo: the swamp assCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Black Bamboo Plant Care
Phyllostachys nigra (Lodd. ex Lindl.) Munro
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Phyllostachys nigra, commonly known as black bamboo or purple bamboo, is a species of bamboo, native to Hunan Province of China, and is widely cultivated elsewhere.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
20–100°F
40–70%
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 20–100°F (-7–38°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Black Bamboo Native To?
What Is the Black Bamboo?
Black Bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Phyllostachys genus. Black Bamboo is native to Hunan Province of China. Black Bamboo is also known as Black Cane Bamboo.
Black Bamboo displays a tall, clumping bamboo growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Black Bamboo produces small inconspicuous flowers, rare flowering in some species.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Black Bamboo?
Phyllostachys nigra 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?
Phyllostachys nigra grows best at temperatures of 20–100°F. Black Bamboo prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
20–100°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Black Bamboo?
Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. 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 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 golden 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, bamboo 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 6a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 6a. Black Bamboo is native to Hunan Province of China.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 6a – 10b
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 Phyllostachys genus — compare its care with other Phyllostachys species on PlantoScan.
Phyllostachys 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: Phyllostachys nigra (Lodd. ex Lindl.) Munro, family Poaceae (first published in Trans. Linn. Soc. London 26: 38 (1868)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- 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.
- Photo: the swamp ass, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 6a – 10b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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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