Growing Bamboo

Although the trend for bamboo is growing fast, there’s still a lot of questions out there about this tall, striking plant. Instant Jungle International has been dealing with bamboo and other tropical plants for 30 years and they have , answered  some frequently asked questions.

1.  Doesn’t all bamboo run rampant once planted?

Bamboo comes in two forms, clumping and “grove-like” or running bamboo. Running bamboo can be easily contained with root barrier. Root barrier is usually a 30 or 40 mm polyethylene plastic sheeting that encircles the area where you want the “grove-like bamboo” to stay contained. It is supplied in 24”, 30” and 36” depths and ships in roll

2.How fast does bamboo grow?

Bamboo varieties differ in rate of growth. The timber varieties grow fairly fast and can grow quite tall, ranging from 25’-45’ in maturity. Other varieties reach a shorter height and grow somewhat slower.

 3. How many kinds of bamboo are there?

There are hundreds of varieties of bamboo. Most varieties that are used ornamentally in garden number about 20-30.

4.  Are there bamboo types that can be used indoors?

Some bamboo varieties may be used in an interior application– there must be sufficient overhead lighting and good ventilation

5.  Are there commercial uses for bamboo?

Bamboo is used in large commercial applications more often than most people know. Rooftop Gardens in cities are becoming extremely popular and, many office parks where tall screening has been required, as well as living screens to hide parking garages and to create a more private intimate setting.

 7.  What are the most common residential uses for bamboo?

The most common residential uses for bamboo are for “living screens” or specimen pieces that stand on their own.

8.  How high does bamboo grow? Can you control it?

There are many species of bamboo that grow in different ways. Some are very dense with a “hedging” appearance, the most popular being Bambusa Multiplex “Alphonse Karr”. Other varieties grow quite tall and are either very dense or somewhat open at the base if they are shaded. These are commonly called timber bamboo and come in both clumping and running varieties. Some of the common names are “tropical timber bamboo” or Japanese Timber bamboo.

 9.  Does bamboo need constant watering?

Bamboo is in the same family (plant) as grasses, therefore it prefers regular irrigation. This can be accomplished many ways.

10.  Does bamboo need a lot of maintenance?

Bamboo does not require a significant amount of maintenance. We recommend a yearly pruning of the older canes, to encourage and provide space for the new culms (shoots) to emerge. This occurs once a year, late spring for the temperate bamboo, and summer to fall for the tropical bamboo.

11.  Where does bamboo originate?

Most bamboos originate in China.

Bamboo facts

• Bamboo as a textile has been available for 1000's of years

• Bamboo is a grass

• Bedding made using bamboo was first seen through mass market chains in February of 2006 in America

• Similar process to viscose or rayon manufacture. Invented by Samuel J Courtauld in 1906

• Cotton as 5% the worlds crops contribute 25% the worlds pesticides

• Cotton is one of the biggest users of water in areas of the world where there is a growing water shortage.

• Bamboo fiber resembles cotton in its unspun form, a puffball of light and airy fibers

Benefits of Bamboo

•Luxuriously Soft – Feels similar to silk or cashmere. You’ll LOVE the way it feels!

•Naturally Hypoallergenic & Antibacterial

•Provides UV Protection (We still recommend you use sunscreen!)

•Highly Absorbent – Moisture wicking keeps you dry. Bamboo is 300% more absorbent than cotton.

•Insulating – keeps you cooler in summer and warmer in winter

•Strong & Durable

•Eco-friendly & Sustainable

Planet benefits

• Very renewable resource

• Pesticide-free, organically grown

• Little to no water to grow

• Plantation inhales CO² and exhales O² into the atmosphere

Consider Bamboo

Because Bamboo fabrics are naturally anti-microbial and anti-fungal, they tend to repel damp rather than harbour it. This prevents a musty smell developing. Bamboo linens are available at http://www.100bamboo.com/c/56/bamboo-bedding. The range includes Bamboo Bed Linen, Bamboo Blankets and Bamboo Towels and Baby Towels.

Tags :  Bamboo ,  Bamboo Linen ,  Bamboo home Linen

Author: Laura Toursoulopoulos Follow me on Google+