How to care for Nandina

How to care for Nandina

Our tips for helping it grow healthy and strong

Nandina, also known as "sacred bamboo," is a shrub native to East Asia. At our company, Nandina is prized for its decorative foliage, which changes color with the seasons, from green to deep red. It's a versatile plant that grows well both in the garden and in a pot.

The right spot

Nandina prefers sunny or partially shaded locations. It's important to provide it with good light exposure to encourage lush growth and vibrant leaf color.

When and how to water it

Water your Nandina thoroughly, but make sure the soil dries out between waterings. In summer, watering every 7 days is recommended, while every 14 days is sufficient in winter. Check the soil moisture at a depth of 2-3 cm to make sure it's time to water.

Temperature and humidity

Nandina adapts well to a wide range of temperatures, but its ideal range is from 5°C to 25°C. It can tolerate temperatures as low as -10°C, but it is best to protect it from severe cold. Ideal humidity is between 40% and 60%.

The right fertilizer

During spring and summer, we recommend fertilizing Nandina every 30 days with a balanced fertilizer. This will help the plant maintain healthy foliage and promote vigorous growth.

The pot and soil

Nandina requires well-drained soil to prevent waterlogging. A mix of peat, sand, and potting soil with a pH around 6 is ideal for this plant. Make sure the pot has adequate drainage holes to prevent water from building up.

How to propagate it

Nandina can be propagated by cuttings or seeds. Propagation by cutting is preferable to preserve the characteristics of the parent plant. Although propagation is moderately difficult, with a little patience and care, you can grow new plants to add to your garden.

Our final tip

Nandina is a plant that will bring you great satisfaction with its changing foliage and hardiness. Remember to regularly check the soil moisture and place it somewhere with good light exposure to get the best out of this wonderful plant.

— The Gardens of Giulia

Verified care information

This information comes directly from the validated botanical record used to generate the guide.

Light

medium-high · Prefers sunny or partially shaded locations.

Watering

7 days in summer · 14 days in winter · Water thoroughly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. · Check soil moisture at a depth of 2-3 cm.

Temperature

5 °C ideal minimum · 25 °C ideal maximum · -10 °C minimum tolerated · 35 °C maximum tolerated

Humidity

moderate · 40% minimum · 60% maximum

Fertilizing

balanced fertilizer · spring-summer · 30 days

Propagation

cutting, seed · moderate · Propagation by cutting is preferable to preserve the characteristics of the parent plant.