Bamboo 101
We will soon have a video, brought to you by Mr. Bamboo (owner of Bamboo Headquarters) Ralph Evans. Until then, use the following guide for a quick education on bamboo. Click on the links below for more information on any topic.
Common Bamboo Myths Corrected: Bamboo is an invasive weed!
Bamboo is anything but an invasive weed. Bamboo is actually a grass that comes in two forms: running and clumping.
Running bamboo is most commonly considered the type that will “take over your yard and your neighbors yard”. It is true that this bamboo is a vigourous grower, however it is a mistake to think that you can not control it. Running bamboo can easily be controlled with rhizome barrier, a thin plasic barrier that you install around your planting area.
Clumping bamboo is the second type of bamboo and does not have invasive properties. Clumping bamboo slowly spreads out a few inches a year until it reaches a maximum width and does not require rhizome barrier to control. Clumping bamboo can grow in clumps from three feet to ten feet and are ideal hedges for subtropical areas of the country.
Arundo donax is a reed that is considered in many states to be a weed. This plant is not a bamboo and we do not sell it. It is often mistaken as a bamboo, as are a variety of invasive and unwanted plants. Please see our “NOT A BAMBOO” page for more information on plants commonly mistaken for bamboo.
Growing Bamboo in a Container or Indoors
Growing bamboo indoors and outdoor containers is possible, but it can be tricky. In order to grow bamboo in any container you have to take into consideration the agressive root structure of most bamboos. Planting areas are estimated for all of our bamboos on the website. Take this planting area seriously when planting your project.
Outdoor Containers and Narrow Planting Areas
Growing bamboo in narrow outdoor containers or narrow planting areas can put stress on most bamboos. Many dwarf bamboos can grow in very narrow planters but most bamboo require at least 3 or more feet. Any narrower will choke the bamboo over time, resulting in yellow leaves, stunted growth and eventually killing the bamboo.
Indoor Containers and Care
Growing bamboo indoors is possible, but requries more attention and care than outdoor bamboo. Indoor bamboo are effected by the low humidity levels caused by air conditioning or heaters so the leaves of the plants must be misted on a daily basis to make up for the lack of humidity.
Planting and Care
Our website is filled with a plethora of articles from planting and care to bamboo pests. Be sure to check out our frequently asked questions as well. If you can’t find the answer you are looking for, don’t hesitate to contact us.