Bamboo Rot & Insects

With some species capable of growing more than 3 feet in 24 hours, bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants on earth. Worldwide, there are about 1,200 species of this grass, which ranges in height from under a foot to 100 feet or more. Part of the Poaceae family, Bamboo spreads readily by underground rhizomes and, without sufficient barriers, can quickly become problematic; it is considered invasive in Florida. Despite its record-breaking growth rate and its adaptability to a variety of conditions, bamboo is subject to disease and insect pests.


Decay rot and Armillaria root rot are fungal diseases affecting woody plants such as bamboo. Armillaria fungus, also known as oak root fungus, infects plant roots in moist or poorly drained soil. It causes leaf discoloration, premature leaf dropping and eventual death. Mushrooms around the base of the plant are evidence of a root fungus problem. Air-borne fungi that infest woody tissue through injuries on the plant cause decay rot. Mushroom-like fruiting bodies at the site of the wound, along with soft, crumbly or spongy wood, indicate a decay rot problem.


Once established, not much can be done to manage rot diseases. But it is possible to reduce the severity of damage with cultural practices. Cut away and dispose of dead or injured stalks to prevent the spread of rot fungus. Areas prone to flooding promote root rot infections. Avoid planting in poorly drained soil or in areas where root rot has been a problem in the past. Armillaria survives for many years in stumps and dead rhizomes. Dig up dead roots and dry the soil surrounding previously infected plants.

Insects and Mites

Specific aphids, scales, mealybugs and mites target bamboo exclusively. Bamboo aphids are small, light-green, pear-shaped bugs that feed on the underside of the leaves, causing yellowing and drop-off. Bamboo pit scales appear as tiny, black, oval bumps on the leaves and stalks of infested plants but cause no damage. Bamboo mealybugs are invasive pests from Malaysia that infest and damage bamboo stalks. They are small, oval, pinkish insects with a white waxy coating. Bamboo spider mites create veils of silky webbing on the underside of leaves. They feed by piercing leaf tissue, causing stippling and yellowing.


Natural predators such as ladybugs, lacewings, predatory mites and parasitic wasps help prevent problematic infestations of bamboo insects and mites. Cultural and chemical treatments are usually enough to manage the pests when they become damaging. Spraying plants with a forceful blast of water or cutting off infested leaves helps control these pests. Insecticidal soap or horticultural oils treat infestations that cannot be controlled by cultural methods. Avoid using other insecticide sprays as they target beneficial insects.