Water
Water regularly, especially during dry periods, to maintain consistently moist soil. Avoid waterlogging. Reduce watering in winter. Check the top few centimeters of soil; if dry, it's time to water.
Also known as Black Japanese Bamboo · Black Phyllostachys · Ebony Bamboo
Phyllostachys nigra, or Black Bamboo, is a striking ornamental grass known for its glossy black culms that mature from green. It's a fast-growing, clumping variety ideal
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun to partial shade
75% intensity
Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade. In very hot climates, some afternoon shade is beneficial.
Consistent moisture
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce in winter.
Well-drained, fertile soil
50% intensity
Adaptable
50% intensity
Prefers moderate temperatures (18-25°C). Tolerates a range but protect from extreme cold.
Moderate feeding
50% intensity
Fertilize during the growing season with a balanced or nitrogen-rich fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, especially during dry periods, to maintain consistently moist soil. Avoid waterlogging. Reduce watering in winter. Check the top few centimeters of soil; if dry, it's time to water.
Prune to manage size and shape, and to remove dead or damaged culms. Cut culms at the base. Can be done anytime, but early spring before new growth emerges is ideal for structural pruning.
Propagate by division of rhizomes in early spring. Carefully separate a section of the rhizome with at least one bud and a few roots. Replant immediately into suitable soil.
Repot every 2-3 years or when the pot becomes overcrowded. Choose a container that is slightly larger than the current one. Repot in spring to give the plant time to establish in its new environment.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Black Bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra)
Where Black Bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra) is found

Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Phyllostachys |
| Species | Phyllostachys nigra |
Similar in genus Phyllostachys
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data