A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2003 Does anyone grow Bamboo Vulgaris or Foxtail Palm indoors?

Hi! I'm new and I just signed on and introduced myself over in the New Members section. <img border="0" alt="[clappy]" title="" src="graemlins/clappy.gif" /> I was wondering if anyone on the board has grown, or is growning a foxtail palm (wodyetia bifurcata) or b. vulgaris in the house. I recently added both to my home and I'm wondering if there are any juicy tidbits to be had besides the scant blurbs written in my gardening books. Thanks so much!!!

Both of those plants are not commonly used as houseplants because they require so much direct sunlight to thrive. Perhaps they would be OK in a sunroom or a greenhouse, but the light from an ordinary house window is just not enough over the long run.

Both require a porous soil that drains rapidly. The palm can withstand moderately dry, hot conditions. The bamboo needs constant soil moisture and tolerates cooler temps.

Watch for spider mites on both plants.

Hi Will, and thanks for the advice. Both varieties are being sold at my local nursery as houseplants... Both seem fine - so far - but maybe it would be better for me to take the Bamboo back. I don't want to kill it or have it grow rank from lack of light. ~Timi