Bamboo Ramie, Chinese Grass
boehmeria nivea
Also known as: ["China Grass","Ramy","Ramee"]
Overview
A herbaceous plant cultivated for its strong, natural fiber and used in textiles and traditional medicine.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","medicinal use","aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Urticales |
| Family: | Urticaceae |
| Genus: | Boehmeria |
| Botanical Name: | Boehmeria nivea |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: garden bed in partial shade or container in a sheltered spot with bright indirect light
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–35°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, fertile soil with organic matter; cactus mix amended with compost works well.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; cut back up to one-third of the plant to rejuvenate growth.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade, especially in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense light to avoid scorching; protect from direct midday sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun with protection from intense afternoon sun
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; move outdoors in spring/summer for stronger light.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings, avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal issues.
Soil
well-draining, fertile loamy soil with added organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a mix of potting soil and perlite; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers 65–85°F (18–29°C); thrives in warm, humid conditions; sensitive to frost.
Protect from frost; maintain moderate humidity; avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring to early fall)
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid overfertilizing to prevent root burn.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings in spring/summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove lower leaves, apply rooting hormone, plant in medium, maintain humidity, keep warm and bright.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (70–75°F or 21–24°C), indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat and perlite or cactus mix.
Hormone
Recommended to promote root development.
Timeline
Roots develop in 3–6 weeks; new growth appears in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, humidity dome or plastic bag, well-draining medium.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain consistent moisture; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of stems, cutting just above a leaf node or bud.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or weak growth.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.
Checklist
Sanitize tools, prune during dormancy, cut above nodes, remove dead/damaged growth, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter) with good drainage.
Method
Remove plant gently, trim roots if necessary, place in slightly larger pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for growth and soil freshness.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot, prepare fresh soil mix, handle roots carefully, water after repotting, place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water thoroughly, ensure drainage, avoid wetting leaves, adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, ensuring even moisture distribution; water early in the day to allow foliage to dry; ensure excess water drains away to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure good aeration.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves or leaf drop in cold; wilting or stunted growth in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Growth slows or halts; leaves may turn yellow or brown; risk of frost damage in temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
Solution: Move to a warmer location; provide frost protection in cold climates; avoid cold drafts.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or reduced vigor in prolonged high heat; may drop leaves to conserve water.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase, use diluted fertilizer, apply to moist soil, flush periodically, stop in dormancy.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); reduce or stop in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicBoehmeria nivea is not known to be toxic to cats. The plant does not pose a risk of poisoning or adverse effects when ingested or handled by cats.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Dogs
Non-toxicBoehmeria nivea is not known to be toxic to dogs. The plant is not associated with any adverse effects when ingested or handled by dogs.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Humans
Non-toxicBoehmeria nivea, commonly known as ramie, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It is primarily cultivated for its strong fibers and has no known toxic effects when handled or ingested in typical amounts.
⚡ Toxic If:
Generally non-toxic
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Boehmeria nivea toxic to pets?
A: No, Boehmeria nivea is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: What are the primary uses of Boehmeria nivea?
A: It is primarily used for its fiber in textiles, as well as for traditional medicinal purposes.
Q: How difficult is Boehmeria nivea to care for?
A: It has moderate care difficulty, requiring consistent moisture and partial sunlight.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Urticaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun with |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
