Types of bamboo plants are a list that has a unique diversity and aesthetic that every gardener wants to plant in their gardens. Bamboo is one of the world’s most famous plants, and while it is native to Asia, many types of it can be found throughout the world.
Because of their fast-growing and ornamental-looking abilities, bamboo varieties are ideal for growing for rookie gardeners as well as someone intermediate.
Today, we’re breaking down the best types of bamboo plants you can grow in your home and gardens.
Contents
List of Different Types of Bamboo Plants
1. Black Bamboo
A dramatic and exotic option for your garden or landscaping project is black Bamboo. Despite its height and solidity resembling a tree, Bamboo is classified as a grass and is the preferred food of panda bears.
– Characteristics
Its other name, Phyllostachys nigra, is well-known for its ebony-colored stalks or culms. It is a running bamboo, which means that its rhizomes grow quickly and spread far. If left unchecked, this can make the Bamboo exceedingly invasive.
But its quick expansion is not all terrible. This plant is ideal for making solid walls, organic privacy fences, and soundproofing. These bamboo culms initially have a green appearance before changing to their renowned black hue in the second or third year of growth.
Because of its rapid growth, this bamboo species can easily take over your landscaping under the right conditions. Root barriers or root trimming can be employed to contain the plant to avoid this. Given that this kind of Bamboo has gregarious flowering, all bamboo plants will bloom roughly simultaneously.
– Care
These plants grow best in sunny locations with moist, nutrient-rich soil that drains well. Because Bamboo has a shallow root system, strong winds have the potential to uproot or destroy it. It is best to plant this Bamboo in a location protected from windy weather.
Others like Japanese timber bamboo, dragon head bamboo, fish pole bamboo, and hedge bamboo have similar needs. This only occurs once every 40 to 60 years, and the following generation of Bamboo promptly perishes. The seeds can be gathered and planted to begin a new bamboo stand.
– Growth Requirements
When it comes to lighting, this Bamboo is not very fussy. Anything from full sun to partial shade is suitable for growing it. Nutrient-rich soil is ideal for this plant, because it is one that would be the best environment.
For optimum growth, moist, loamy, well-draining varieties are best for this plant to grow. While these bamboos do well in sand, clay, and silt mixtures, they may grow in various soil types as long as it drains effectively. These bamboos thrive in water and will profit most from regular irrigation. Try to avoid letting your soil become damp.
2. Bambusa Bamboos
Evergreen tropical Bamboo, known as giant thorny Bamboo, is thought to be a Southern Asian native. Indian Bambusa Bamboo is another name for this clumping species, which loves naturally tropical and subtropical environments.
Bambusa Bamboo is one of the largest naturally occurring varieties, which can live up to 30 years.
– Characteristics
The Bambusa bamboo thrives best along river banks or valleys with rich, moist soil since it enjoys a humid, tropical climate. It grows most effectively in moist deciduous forests up to an elevation that can start from 1.6 feet, to a maximum of 50 feet long, and a diameter of seven inches to 10 inches in flat alluvial soil.
This Bamboo is frequently used in construction and other sectors due to its quick growth rate and great strength. It is also one of the varieties of edible ones, and both the seeds and the shoots are considered healthy.
– Growth Requirements
This giant Bamboo grows quickly, reaching heights of 98 feet by 82 feet tall. The wind pollinates the blossoms. It grows well in well-drained soil and is suitable for loamy and heavy, which is somehow like a clay medium soils.
It can grow in highly acidic and very alkaline soils, although it prefers soils that are somewhat acidic, neutral, and basic, or even somewhat mildly alkaline. Not only that, but this is the kind that would also grow in full sun, light woods shade, or neither. It favors soggy ground. The plant can withstand severe winds but not exposure to the sea.
3. Spiny Bamboo
Tropical clumping bamboo Bambusa blumeana often called Spiny Bamboo or Bambusa Bamboo, is a native of Indonesia and Malaysia. This kind of Bamboo produces edible, vegetable-like shoots.
– Characteristics
Bambusa blumeana is a bamboo with six to almost 10 inches, slightly arched, green culms. The internodes are 10 to 13 inches in length, three to five inches in diameter, and have walls typically one inch thick. Particularly in dry places or on poor soils, the wall thickness at the base of the culms is usually solid. A ring of aerial roots can be seen around the lower culm nodes, and the sheath scar is surrounded by a gray or brown ring.
On the other hand, you should also remember that this is the type of bamboo that can grow along riverbanks, on hillside slopes, and in freshwater creeks in wet or dry tropical regions. This is one of the plants that can withstand flooding on dense or depleted soils and grows close to solid stems, which would be at the base.
– Growth Requirements
When typical rainfall falls short of the one inch of moisture most plants need, water the plants; during the growing season, an average amount of water is required, but be careful not to overwater. Which means that you must be regularly watering is crucial throughout the first two years after a plant is established, however remember that the most important is the first year.
Watering deeply once a week is preferable to watering regularly for short periods. It does well in both partial shade and direct sunlight and prefers sandy to loamy soil. On the other hand, heavy saline soils are not good for the species, like a low pH, which is somewhere between five and six.
4. Phyllostachys Edulis
Phyllostachys edulis or Moso bamboo is not the kind you find in your backyard. The densest and toughest fibers of any bamboo species are produced when Moso reaches maturity, which takes about five to six years.
– Characteristics
Despite being too rigid to be utilized in basket weaving, Moso’s strength makes it ideal for products like hardwood furniture in homes and other spaces.
In terms of absorbing carbon dioxide and generating oxygen, Moso exceeds all other Bamboo and hardwood species. The mother plant is not harmed when mature stems are harvested annually.
Moso is the plant that grows the fastest on Earth, which means that it is one that will expand at an astounding rate of around one meter every day, also one of its key characteristics is that this bamboo is a quickly renewable construction resource.
– Growth Requirements
This is the type of bamboo that would grow when the weather is cold and dry at the same time during winter time, and high in moisture in summer time. This is the type of bamboo that would grow in an extensive manner, when the soil is rich in nutrients and it is fertile.
5. Pseudosasa Japonica
The botanical name for the native to Japan and Korean species of arrow bamboo is Pseudosa japonica. This medium-sized Bamboo is a runner, although it grows much more compactly than many other species of running Bamboo.
Simply said, most gardeners favor this variety of ornamental Bamboo known as arrow bamboo. Its beautiful green stripes make it an aesthetically pleasing addition to any lawn.
Pseudosasa japonica is a fantastic option if you’re caring for a residential garden because it is a manageable, lovely, medium-sized plant that is good for a wide range of situations. However, before you plant a lovely grove of arrow bamboo, you should know its benefits, needs, and restrictions.
– Characteristics
Because Samurai soldiers historically chose this species for the thin, straight poles that are perfect for use as arrows and spears, arrow bamboo gets its common moniker. The tall, dark green canes of this Bamboo have an even lovely appearance while standing in a garden than when flying over a battleground.
With culms that are 10 to 20 feet tall and have a thin, close-knit cluster, as these are the perfect choice for a privacy hedge.
– Growth Requirements
Pseudosasa japonica is a temperate bamboo that is native to Japan and Korea. It can withstand temperatures well below zero. Usually, this plant grows in about in extreme temperatures as low as five to ten degrees Fahrenheit. The optimum growing regions for this species are USDA zones Seven through 10.
The plant can endure freezing temperatures as low as five or ten degrees Fahrenheit and is particularly shade tolerant. This Bamboo needs routine watering because it is less drought-tolerant.
What you can do in this case is to add some mulch to the area surrounding the grove seems sensible for additional protection during the harsh winter. The best fillers are typically wood chips, grass clippings, or dried leaves. This aids in keeping the soil hydrated and shielding the roots from freezing.
Because it can withstand wind and salty air, arrow bamboo is a suitable option for coastal settings. But drought is one thing it dislikes, which means that regular watering is necessary for its proper growth, especially in the summer. Try to maintain moist soil but avoid getting it soggy.
6. Belly Bamboo
Large ornamental plant bamboo with renowned bulging nodes on the culm is known as Giant Buddhas Belly bamboo. Giant Buddha Belly bamboo can be cut back in height if necessary, but it will naturally grow to six to eight meters.
Remember that because Bamboo has a lovely arching form, pruning it too short may compromise the shape.
– Characteristics
It has a wide natural shape, and as a result of this the top is considerably bigger than the footprint. It looks best with more branches removed to highlight the culms because it tends to have little branching down low. This is not a narrow bamboo because the clump’s natural footprint measures two inches in its diameter.
To suit your demands, this beautiful species may be planted in narrower garden beds or kept in a smaller space; nevertheless, the bulge tends to be less remarkable the smaller the area (unless it is cared for like a high-maintenance plant).
Plant your Buddha’s Belly in one enormous circular hole because clumping bamboo grows in a circular pattern. This can often be adjusted as one of the small bamboo varieties.
– Care
Massive Buddhas Belly bamboo grows quickly and, with proper implantation, can reach full maturity in three to four years. The bulge may not become noticeable for several years. Alternatively, you can expand more quickly if you get more established sizes, and once they start to get fully grown, then is the right time when it would require little maintenance and is exceptionally resistant to drought.
7. Lucky Bamboo
Lucky bamboo plants used in sculpture often appear in homes and businesses for feng shui purposes because of their eye-catching forms, swirls, or braided stems. Additionally, they can be trained to have little, basic, floppy green leaves on stalks that grow straight as an arrow.
– Characteristics
Like Bambusa vulgaris, due to its well-deserved reputation of being practically indestructible, Lucky Bamboo is a fantastic option for novice gardeners or forgetful waters.
Although the plant resembles Bamboo and develops quickly, it may grow more than a foot in six months, it is completely unrelated to Bamboo and is more closely connected to succulent plants. Be advised that this plant is poisonous to cats and dogs, making it unlucky for pets.
– Growth Requirements
Lucky Bamboo prefers strong, filtered sunshine, like that which is present beneath a rainforest canopy. Avoid the sun’s direct rays since they will burn the leaves. Lucky Bamboo prefers potting soil that is rich and well-drained.
To grow Bamboo, you must know basic gardening. For your lucky bamboo to thrive, you might want to adjust the water and light levels exactly so. It is easy to keep fortunate bamboo as long as you grow it in water of a high caliber.
Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Additionally, it can thrive whether you place it in a pile of stones or even just a pot filled with water as long as it always has access to at least an inch of standing water.
However, one thing that you should be cautious of is the chlorine mineral in addition to other contaminants that are typically found in tap water can harm fortunate Bamboo severely. You can use tap water unless your water is particularly hard, meaning it would be containing a lot of minerals.
8. Fargesia Murielae
Ernest “China” Wilson regarded it as one of the most attractive Bamboo when he first planted it in gardens. We do not believe its enduring impression is outdated because it has a delicate, flowing canopy of beautiful evergreen foliage.
– Characteristics
The young shoots begin as pale blue with tan culm sheaths and turn yellowish-green as they mature. It looks best when planted in a location that receives dappled sunlight throughout the day or afternoon shadow. When this plant start to lack flowing rhizomes, much like all other Fargesias; this means that the containment is not necessary to stop the spread of the plant.
Because umbrella bamboo doesn’t grow all that quickly, it should be in its container for some time. On the other hand, you should know that, they will require larger accommodations if their roots and canes have filled the pot.
Not only that, but it looks best when planted in a location that receives dappled sunlight throughout the day or afternoon shadow. Despite losing a few leaves yearly, it will keep its soft green foliage throughout the winter.
– Care
While their flowing leaves will require little trimming, Bamboo can be somewhat picky about sunshine and soil. If you intend to plant them directly into the ground, keep in mind that they can soon take over the garden if they aren’t controlled. Bamboos are content to simply stand in their pots and observe the outside world.
Because they are perennial evergreens, Bamboo doesn’t completely shed its leaves after the growing season. Instead, they grow again at the start of each growing season in the spring. Bamboos are excellent garden grasses since they are very animal-tolerant. They have no harmful effects on animals or young children.
On another note, remember that repotting it during the growing season is not advised, especially if you see new shoots emerging. However, you can always try and change the pot only in the early spring, as they should grow to their full height in around five to 10 years.
Conclusion
These bamboo types are unique and special in their own right. After having this long list of options, which bamboo struck out to you the most?
Before you go ahead with planting, keep in mind:
- Giant Thorny Bamboo sounds just the way it looks. Because it can get so big and thorny, it may not be the ideal plant for beginners.
- Black bamboo is known for its rapid-growing abilities so if you’re looking for a fast plant solution, grow this variety.
- When you are growing the Moso bamboos, you should always keep in mind that the soil should be one that is moist and fertile.
Now, you know all about the different types of these gorgeous plants that exist, from the height to their growth requirements, the question that we should ask is, which plant are you going to grow?
https://www.bambooplus.com.au/product/buddha-belly/#:~:text=Giant%20Buddhas%20Belly%20bamboo%20is,in%20height%20if%20need%20be%20
https://www.guaduabamboo.com/blog/bambusa-blumeana
https://www.gardenia.net/plant/fargesia-murielae
https://www.thespruce.com/growing-lucky-bamboo-1902994
https://www.guaduabamboo.com/blog/bambusa-blumeana
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