When is a Bamboo Not a Bamboo? When it’s a ‘Lucky Bamboo’ it’s really a dracaena, Dracaena sanderiana to be specific. And when it’s a ‘House Bamboo,’ it’s a grass (Pogonatherum paniceum). If you have been at a garden center with a strong collection of tropicals and houseplants recently, then you might have seen some ‘House Bamboo.’ Not a bamboo, but a grass, this plant has an attractive bamboolike appearance with stalks about 12 to 20 inches long at maturity. Because it does not develop woody stems, when the stalks get longer, they drape attractively over the sides of a pot. There are also variegated varieties. In Europe it is also called cat grass because cats seem to find it quite delicious. You might keep this in mind if you are a cat owner. ‘House Bamboo’ is native to India, Burma and Ceylon, where it can be found as a weed in rice fields. This means this grass likes a moist environment. It should not be allowed to dry out, nor should it be kept too wet. It is ideally suited to hydroponic culture. It needs bright light, but should be shielded from the intense summer sun. It grows well at room temperatures, however, winter and night time temperatures should not be lower than 60 F. It grows rapidly and will need repotting once a year or so. Fertilize your ‘House Bamboo’ weekly in the spring, summer and fall and once monthly in the winter. When the plant becomes too large you may divide it. It can also be propagated from cuttings with bottom heat (about 70 F). Paula Szilard House Bamboo (Pogonatherum paniceum)

When is a Bamboo Not a Bamboo?

When it’s a ‘Lucky Bamboo’ it’s really a dracaena, Dracaena sanderiana to be specific. And when it’s a ‘House Bamboo,’ it’s a grass (Pogonatherum paniceum).

If you have been at a garden center with a strong collection of tropicals and houseplants recently, then you might have seen some ‘House Bamboo.’ Not a bamboo, but a grass, this plant has an attractive bamboolike appearance with stalks about 12 to 20 inches long at maturity. Because it does not develop woody stems, when the stalks get longer, they drape attractively over the sides of a pot. There are also variegated varieties.

In Europe it is also called cat grass because cats seem to find it quite delicious. You might keep this in mind if you are a cat owner. ‘House Bamboo’ is native to India, Burma and Ceylon, where it can be found as a weed in rice fields. This means this grass likes a moist environment. It should not be allowed to dry out, nor should it be kept too wet. It is ideally suited to hydroponic culture. It needs bright light, but should be shielded from the intense summer sun. It grows well at room temperatures, however, winter and night time temperatures should not be lower than 60 F. It grows rapidly and will need repotting once a year or so.

Fertilize your ‘House Bamboo’ weekly in the spring, summer and fall and once monthly in the winter. When the plant becomes too large you may divide it. It can also be propagated from cuttings with bottom heat (about 70 F).

Paula Szilard

House Bamboo (Pogonatherum paniceum)