Bamboo is both a great indoor and garden plant. However, if you have never grown bamboo before, there are a few things you need to know. On this page, we are taking a closer look at bamboo. Let’s find out how easy it is to grow bamboo almost anywhere.
How Tall Is Bamboo?
In nature, bamboo can reach a height of over 20 feet. The canes do not look very sturdy when you see them from a distance. But, one of the reasons bamboo grows so tall is because of its strong canes. The canes measure on average 1,5″ in diameter.
Can you prune bamboo? When you don’t want your plant or plants to grow too tall, you can prune them. If you grow your bamboo plant in a pot, you need to make sure you cut it back. Should your bamboo grow too tall, the pot risk toppling over.
Bamboo has an extensive root system that helps to keep the plant upright.
How Fast Does Bamboo Grow?
Under the right conditions, bamboo grows at an astonishing speed. Believe it or not, it can grow at a rate of 0.00003 km/h. If you are growing it in your garden, you need to control its growth. Few gardeners realize that it is one of the fastest-growing plants on the planet.
Given the perfect conditions, a bamboo plant can grow as much as one meter per day. Fortunately, it does mind being cut back. When you notice that your plant is growing very fast, it is a good idea to cut it back every two weeks. That way, you will end up with a nice compact plant if you are growing it as a garden plant. If you are growing bamboo commercially, you can let grow as much as you like.
How Long Does It Take For Bamboo To Reach Its Full Height?
In China where bamboo grows wild, it takes about 3 months for a plant to reach its full height. In the average garden or home, it will take at least two years.
You can encourage your bamboo plant to grow faster by making sure it is not exposed to frost. Although bamboo is likely to survive a frost, cooler temperatures for an extended period of time will slow down the plant’s growth.
How Long Does Bamboo Live?
One thing you need to know is that when it comes to the lifespan of bamboo, we are not talking about the entire plant. Instead, when we talk about how long bamboo lives, we mean separate canes of the plant. Your bamboo plant will live forever as long as it is grown under the right conditions. It will just continue to produce canes.
A cane of bamboo normally lives for 10 – 15 years. As it matures, it starts to look a little bit spindly. That is when you should think about cutting your bamboo down to the root. Almost as soon as you have cut it back, a new cane will pop up.
What Is The Fastest Growing Bamboo?
Moso Bamboo is the fastest growing bamboo. This is the plant that the pandas enjoy so much. Moso is also popping up as a commercial bamboo plant. Another bamboo that grows fast is Tropical bamboo. There is not really much difference in the growth rate. Some argue that tropical bamboo grows faster than Moso. It is hard to tell the difference.
What happens to bamboo once it is cut down? Once cut down, bamboo fibers are used to make everything from bedding to clothes and apparel. You can buy bamboo shoes and bamboo bags.
If you are thinking about growing bamboo in your home or garden, the best botanical species are Arrow bamboo, Black bamboo, Oldhman’s, and Dwarf Green. All four are less vigorous when compared to Moso. However, if you want to grow bamboo as a screening plant, Moso bamboo is a perfect choice. It also makes a really good windbreaker.
When you do want to prune it, you can sell Moso bamboo to manufacturers of products made from bamboo. If you don’t want to sell it, your local zoo or wildlife center would love to have it.
Why Does Bamboo Grow So Fast?
Not all bamboos grow fast. In its natural environment, bamboo grows in dense forests. It fights to reach the sunlight. This is one of the reasons it grows so fast.
Most trees have a trunk. In the case of bamboo, the plant supporting stem is called a stalk or cane. It is hollow inside and does not form an inner core like a tree. As it does not form a trunk, the plant can concentrate on sending all of its energy upwards.
Once the plant reaches the sunlight, it starts to produce large amounts of energy and nutrients which it uses to speed up growth.
Why Does Bamboo Have Rings?
If you have been thinking about growing bamboo, you may have noticed it has rings.
Bamboo plants have two rings. One is formed when the leaves fall off as the plant continues to grow. You can even call it a scar.
The other ring is a rhizome that is formed as the bamboo grows upwards. This rhizome helps to encourage the growth of the next segment of the plant. The rings add support and strength to the plant. Without the rings, bamboo would not be able to achieve its amazing growth rate and incredible height.
Summary
Bamboo is very much a plant of the future. It helps to fight carbon pollution. Thanks to its unique anatomy, it locks away carbon and acts as a store. When you want to grow a plant to improve the air quality in your home, it is one of the best plants to choose.
All species of bamboo are also relatively no fuss. Apart from cutting back, they require relatively little maintenance and care. It is one of the most versatile plants you can grow in your home and garden. Of course, bamboo is also easy to grow commercially as it can be used to produce many of the things we need in everyday life including clothes and paper-based products.
Bamboo Group is a collaboration of individuals who love the world’s most sustainable and eco-friendly natural material. We believe every home can benefit from the natural colors and patterns of bamboo. We’re excited to see bamboo grow in popularity and get the recognition it deserves. Years of experience growing bamboo plants have taught us a lot we want to share with the world.