I have recently been wondering about the possibility of growing Pothos outdoors in Ohio. I figured I could cut up the plant at the end of the summer to create many cuttings to raise over the winter--and then let them take off up a tree in the summer. Does anybody know how fast they would grow in a partially sunny location? Any luck with them north of Florida? How long does it take for them to grow their mature (huge) leaves?

I do just as you are considering doing with the Pothos. Although I live in south Alabama with long, hot, and humid summers, I imagine you could get some decent growth on yours in OH over the summer. Of course it will die as soon as the temps get cold at night. Take long cuttings and root a good 6" to a foot of the stem. You want to give it a good start so short cuttings are not what's needed here.

I plant mine in heavy shade. They do not like our intense sun and fry. I dig a large hole about 3' across and fill with my bunny-worm compost, shredded bark, and a good potting soil. I plant deeply and mulch well with six inches of leaves/straw/bark/pine straw or whatever I have a lot of on hand. As they begin to climb I do some pinching so that the vine will produce side shoots. It's important to give the vines some support until they can grab hold of the tree with their arial roots. I use construction adhesive (yep, no kidding) Water just enough to keep damp but not soaking wet, fertilize once a week with 1/4 all-purpose 20-20-20 and it should do well. Take plenty of cuttings before the temps. get down to the 40's.

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Make your words soft and sweet; you just may have to eat them someday.

Hi bamboochik,

Sorry to butt in, but I just found this forum and noticed your handle and location and had to say hi.
I am also in South Alabama (Silverhill) and am about to start growing some bamboo from seed, along with our bananas.

Where in South Al. are you and do you have a lot of bamboo growing? I have found a bunch growing wild on my 4.5 acres and decided I wanted to try some other varieties. What varieties do you have and how do they do in our climate?

Thanks!

I live on 10 acres and have been growing bamboo for around 30 years in south AL. I do not give out my exact location as it is too dangerous in this day and age. I also don't sell my bamboo as I don't like holes in my groves. I grow most of the Phyllostachys species, many of the Semiarundinaria's and am still collecting to this day. I will stop when I die, I guess.

If you want to start growing bamboo, then buy some good boo from the sources on the American Bamboo Society at: http://www.bamboo.org/SpeciesSourceListPages/PlantAndProductSources.html#DomesticSources If you wish to write me off forum, I can give you personal recommendations, as I know a lot of the nursery owners and have bought from a few. I can also give you tips on who is safe to buy from on Ebay and who to avoid.

One word of warning. Just like with banana's, bamboo is very addicting and you can't stop at just one.

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Make your words soft and sweet; you just may have to eat them someday.