How to Transplant Bamboo Plants

Overview

Bamboo is a plant that can survive transplanting--as long as the transplant is done correctly. If you would like to move your bamboo plant from a container into your garden, from your garden into a container, or even from one spot on your lawn to another, take a few precautions to ensure that the bamboo plant makes it through the process.

Step 1

Don't transplant a bamboo plant while it is producing shoots during the spring and summer. The best time to transplant is just after winter when the growing season hasn't yet begun or late fall once the season's growth is done.

Step 2

Dig into the soil with a very sharp spade all the way around the base of the plant. Make the cut 1 foot away from the plant, cutting through all the roots. A saw may be required to cut through the strongest roots.

Step 3

Move the base of the plant back and forth gently to dislodge it from the surrounding soil. This should also help separate the roots from one another, making it easier to pull the plant out of the ground.

Step 4

Pry the base of the plant up from the ground with a spade or a shovel. If you are moving a large bamboo plant or large portion of the plant, using a shovel is advisable to make sure you can get all of the roots at one time.

Step 5

Wet the roots of the bamboo plant by dipping the base of the plant into a bucket of water. Wrap the moistened roots in plastic to prevent it from drying out.

Step 6

Keep the plant in the shade while transporting to prevent the leaves from drying out. If the plant dries out too much, it will not survive the transplant.