Heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica)

Also known as: Sacred bamboo

Heavenly bamboo, despite its misleading name, is not a type of bamboo. It's a semi-evergreen shrub that resembles bamboo, which can cause confusion. One striking characteristic is its bright red berries, which are toxic to both humans and animals and should be avoided.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Heavenly bamboo

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Height

1 m to 3 m

Spread

1.5 m

Leaf Color

Green Red Purple Yellow White Variegated Orange

Flower Size

6 mm to 7 mm

Flower Color

White

Images of Heavenly bamboo

Quickly Identify Heavenly bamboo

Cane-like stems reach 6-8 feet (183-244 cm), resembling bamboo.

Leaves are bi- to tri-pinnately compound, reddish new growth, and 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) long.

Distinctive bright red berries, 0.3 inches (8 mm) in diameter, clustered at terminals.

Delicate white flowers with yellow anthers, 5-13 mm (0.2-0.5 inches) in diameter.

Foliage changes from bluish-green in summer to purplish-red in fall, creating a vibrant display.

Scientific Classification of Heavenly bamboo

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Buttercups, poppies and allies

Family

Barberry

Genus

Nandina

Species

Heavenly bamboo

Planting and Growing of Heavenly bamboo

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 3 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-12 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-77℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Heavenly bamboo?

For Nandina domestica, the ideal watering amount is about 500 ml per session. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, ensuring water reaches the root zone without pooling. Adjust based on climate and pot size.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Heavenly bamboo? ›

What should I do if my Heavenly bamboo is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Heavenly bamboo? ›

How to save an overwatered Heavenly bamboo? ›

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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Heavenly bamboo?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 4 to 6 hours daily

Partial sun exposure is ideal for Nandina domestica. Receiving morning sunlight while being sheltered from harsh afternoon rays enhances foliage color and promotes healthy flowering.

What is the best location for Nandina domestica? ›

How to manage Nandina domestica light needs during different seasons? ›

What benefits does optimal light provide to Nandina domestica? ›

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Heavenly bamboo?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 77℉

The ideal temperature range for Nandina domestica, also known as heavenly bamboo, is between 60°F and 77°F. This temperature range ensures the plant's optimal growth and vibrant color development. Maintaining these temperatures promotes healthy foliage and encourages flowering.

What Soil is Best for Heavenly bamboo?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam, Clay soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Nandina domestica thrives in soil that is moderately rich in nutrients, ensuring healthy growth and vibrant foliage. Adding compost or organic matter can enhance soil fertility, leading to more robust plant performance. This plant prefers well-drained soil to prevent root rot and other water-logging issues. To achieve this, you can incorporate sand or perlite into the soil, promoting better drainage and oxygen flow to the roots. While it tolerates some dryness, Nandina domestica performs best with a consistent level of moisture. A mulched soil surface can help retain moisture levels, ensuring the plant stays hydrated during dry spells. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Heavenly bamboo?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Nandina domestica, use a balanced fertilizer at a rate of approximately 1 tablespoon per gallon of water for liquid fertilizer. For slow-release granules, apply about 1 to 2 ounces per plant, ensuring not to exceed this to prevent root burn. More About Fertilizing Techniques→

How to Prune Heavenly bamboo?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Start by identifying and removing any dead, diseased, or damaged wood. This helps promote plant health by preventing the spread of disease and encouraging new growth. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts just above a bud or a branch junction. Look for areas where the branches of Nandina domestica are overcrowded. Thinning these areas can improve air circulation and light penetration, leading to healthier plants. Selectively remove the thickest or most tangled stems at their base to open up the plant without altering its elegant shape. If certain branches grow excessively long and disrupt the balanced appearance of Nandina domestica, consider shortening them. Cut back long branches to a lateral bud or side branch, ensuring that the plant retains its natural, airy look. This kind of pruning helps keep the plant tidy and encourages new branching.

How to Propagate Heavenly bamboo plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early summer

Collect seeds from mature Nandina domestica plants once they have fully ripened. Clean the seeds to remove any pulp and let them dry slightly. This step is crucial to prevent fungal issues and ensure the seeds are viable.

Select healthy, semi-hardwood stems from the Nandina domestica plant in spring or early summer. Cut these stems into lengths of approximately 10-15 centimeters. Ensure each cutting has at least two or three nodes to maximize rooting potential.

Dig up a mature Nandina domestica plant carefully and separate the clumps. Make sure each division has a healthy root system and several stems attached. Replant immediately in a prepared bed or pot to prevent desiccation.

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How to Repot Heavenly bamboo plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Nandina domestica often displays signs that indicate it’s time for a new pot. Look for roots emerging from the drainage holes, soil drying out sooner than usual, or reduced growth rate. These are key signals that your heavenly bamboo needs more room for root expansion and fresh soil for nutrients.

Select a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one, and ensure it has good drainage holes. This size allows room for root growth without overwhelming the plant with excess soil, helping to prevent root rot while providing a stable environment for optimum growth and health.

Opt for a well-draining potting mix, ideally one that includes components such as pine bark, perlite, or sand. This type of soil allows for proper aeration and prevents waterlogging, which is crucial for the prevention of root rot and ensures that your Nandina domestica thrives.

More About Repotting Techniques→

Toxicity of Heavenly bamboo

Is Heavenly bamboo toxic to humans?

The berries of heavenly bamboo are regarded as highly toxic if consumed due to their hydrogen cyanide content. Although death is a preventable consequence, ingesting a significant amount of these berries can lead to cyanide poisoning, which might be fatal within minutes to a few hours. Typical side effects associated with the consumption of heavenly bamboo berries include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, nausea, and in some cases, seizures. Children are particularly at risk because the bright red berries are visually appealing.

Is Heavenly bamboo toxic to cat?

The heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica) contains significant amounts of cyanogenic glycosides, rendering all its parts highly toxic to cats. It is crucial to seek veterinary assistance if any part of this plant is consumed. While the plant’s bitter flavor generally discourages pets from eating it in large amounts, ingestion can lead to severe symptoms, which may encompass bright red mucous membranes, difficulty in breathing, respiratory distress, coma, and potentially seizures.

Is Heavenly bamboo toxic to dog?

While dogs may come across heavenly bamboo used as an ornamental plant in homes, it's crucial to seek veterinary assistance immediately if they happen to chew on this highly toxic species. The berries, leaves, and stems all harbor cyanide, which can be lethal if consumed in significant quantities. Symptoms indicative of poisoning include vomiting, respiratory distress, and an elevated heart rate.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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