The first step in growing bamboo is preparing the pot. While there are some smaller species, most bamboo plants grow extremely high. You won't see much growth in the first few years, however, so a medium-sized pot should do.

Once you have selected your pot, it's time to get the soil ready. Bamboo thrives in well-drained, acidic soil, so choose a loam soil low in clay content. A soil testing kit will allow you to test the pH. You can also improve the soil by spreading a couple of inches of mulch on the surface and adding earthworms to the pot to decay the leaves and increase soil aeration.

When the plants mature and begin to shed leaves, allow them to remain on the soil to increase moisture. Another good surface soil treatment is groundcover. Choose one that is high in nitrogen and silica, both of which bamboo requires to thrive. Some gardeners add nutrients to the soil with chicken manure, though many don't like the odor, especially if the plant is kept in or very near the house.

Bamboo may be planted year-round in fairly warm climates, but gardeners in colder climates should wait until mid-spring. If you plant later than this, the bamboo won't have enough time to become established before cold weather returns. Be aware, too, that if you keep your bamboo inside near a window, heat can be drawn away from the plant by the cold window, though heavy mulching will offset this effect somewhat.

Because bamboo spreads quickly, it is important to make sure it doesn't become root-bound. Even if you use a large pot, you will likely have to re-pot at some point. Some opt for smaller species to keep the plants from outgrowing their containers too quickly, or will use a long planter box to create a neat row of plants.

Watering carefully is crucial for bamboo grown in containers. Proper watering practice is critical for container-grown bamboo and palms like the . Because bamboo evolved in very moist climates, it cannot tolerate much dryness. Be sure not to soak the soil, either, though. Experiment and observe until you have found the watering schedule your plant responds best to.

Be aware, too, that new bamboo plantings must be watered more frequently. Though twice weekly waterings are the norm, some plants only need one watering each week. About one half gallon of water is needed for a five-gallon pot. Watering more often than this may damage the plant, causing it to drop too many leaves. Don't worry if the leaves yellow and fall in the Spring, though; this is normal.