Fargesia murielae aka Umbrella Bamboo

Taxonomy

Fargesia murielae, also known as the umbrella bamboo, is a clump-forming evergreen plant in the Poaceae family. This species closely resembles Fargesia nitida, but can be distinguished by its yellow canes. A dwarf variety called 'Luca' has bright, pointed, evergreen leaves and grows up to 50cm tall, slowly spreading to about 1m. Muriel bamboo, a type of sweet grass, originates from southern central China and was discovered by the daughter of British botanist Ernest Wilson. It forms dense clumps, reaching heights between 1 and 5 meters, with stalks measuring 0.5 to 1.5 cm in diameter. Each node can produce up to 10 branches, each ending in a maximum of 6 elongated narrow leaves. Various cultivars of this bamboo, such as Standing Stone, Flamingo, and Green Arrows, are also known.

Common names

Umbrella Bamboo, Muriel's China Cane

How to care for Umbrella Bamboo

Difficulty

Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Umbrella Bamboo due to its easy-going nature.

Soil

Umbrella Bamboo requires special care to keep it thriving. Its sensitivity to dry soil means that you need to be especially careful when it comes to selecting the right potting soil. Look for a soil that will retain moisture, but is also well-draining. A good potting soil should have plenty of organic material, such as coco coir or sphagnum moss, which will help to keep the soil moist and provide extra nutrition for your plant. When planting your Umbrella Bamboo, make sure to mix the soil with some compost or manure to give it an extra boost of nutrients. Additionally, you should water your plant often to ensure that the soil remains moist. With the right care and attention, your Umbrella Bamboo will bloom beautifully in your home.

Lighting

Umbrella Bamboo thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Umbrella Bamboo.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Umbrella Bamboo to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

Repotting the Umbrella Bamboo is necessary either when it has doubled in size or once every year, whichever happens first. With fresh potting soil replenished annually, the plant will receive all the necessary nutrients, rendering the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that the source of a plant's energy is the sun, not fertilizer.


More info:
Wikipedia