Kumasasa Bamboo Plant Care
Shibataea kumasasa Makino
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Shibataea kumasaca (倭竹), the ruscus-leaf bamboo or ruscus bamboo, is a species of flowering plant in the grass family, native to mountain slopes in Fujian and Zhejiang provinces in China, and widely cultivated elsewhere. Growing to 1.5 m (4.9 ft) tall, it is a compact, clump-forming evergreen bamboo.
Every 4–7 days
Partial to full shade
50–80°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Kumasasa Bamboo?
Water Kumasasa Bamboo every 4–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 40–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Kumasasa Bamboo Native To?
What Is the Kumasasa Bamboo?
Kumasasa Bamboo (Shibataea kumasasa) belongs to the Poaceae family within the Shibataea genus. Kumasasa Bamboo is native to mountain slopes in Fujian and Zhejiang provinces in China, and widely cultivated else.
Kumasasa Bamboo displays a clumping, spreading grass growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Kumasasa Bamboo produces small inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Kumasasa Bamboo?
Shibataea kumasasa requires watering every 4–7 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 4–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Kumasasa Bamboo Need?
Kumasasa Bamboo thrives in partial to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing Kumasasa 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 Kumasasa Bamboo Prefer?
Shibataea kumasasa grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Kumasasa Bamboo prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–80°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Kumasasa Bamboo?
Rich, well-draining soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Kumasasa Bamboo to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Kumasasa Bamboo?
Feed Kumasasa 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 Kumasasa Bamboo?
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 Kumasasa Bamboo?
Kumasasa Bamboo can be propagated through division, rhizome cuttings.
Is the Kumasasa Bamboo Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Kumasasa 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 Kumasasa Bamboo?
Kumasasa Bamboo is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, grasshoppers. 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 Kumasasa Bamboo Need?
Kumasasa Bamboo grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Kumasasa Bamboo is native to mountain slopes in Fujian and Zhejiang provinces in China, and widely cultivated else. In cooler regions, grow Kumasasa Bamboo as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Kumasasa 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 Shibataea genus — compare its care with other Shibataea species on PlantoScan.
Shibataea is part of the Poaceae plant family — browse all Poaceae genera and species.
Kumasasa 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: Shibataea kumasasa Makino, family Poaceae (first published in Bot. Mag. (Tokyo) 28: 22 (1914)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Kumasasa 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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