Bamboo. How do I get it started ?

Question

I want to start several different kinds of Bamboo here in the Philippines for my own use. How do I get it started ?

Answer 1

Do your research before listening to anybody about bamboo. One of your answers could lead you astray.

First you need to know there are 2 types of bamboo "RUNNING" and "CLUMPING" Running could turn into your worst nightmare if not planted correctly because it spreads like wildfire even to your neighbors yard.
Dendrocalamus giganteus is a good one if you want clumping and giant size.
http://www.echonet.org/eln&herbs/eln_cat...
Dendrocalamus giganteus. This very large-stemmed bamboo is originally from India. Its freeze sensitivity is unknown. It can attain a height of 80-100 ft. and culm diameters of 8-10 inches depending upon growing conditions. It is used in home construction, furniture manufacture, for crafts, farm equipment and paper pulp. The shoots are edible. A specimen is on display at ECHO.

Just make sure if you plant running bamboo you have a proper rhizome barrier because it is extremely invasive.

Below are a couple of links for catalog nurseries but you will probably want to find a nursery where you live.
http://www.whisperingwindsbamboo.com/species.htm
http://www.bambooheadquarters.com/store/
Running Bamboo
These represent classic bamboo with large diameter culms, tall and upright habit, cold hardy, evergreen foliage, vigorous growth balanced with vitality and grace.
http://www.shweeashbamboo.com/running%20bamboo.htm
Clumping....Bamboo ... http://www.shweeashbamboo.com/Clumping%20Bamboo.htm

Answer 2

You purchase a clump from a local garden center or you find someone who already has it and dig up a clump of the bamboo. Then make sure it has a lot of water, which in the Philippines, I'm sure it will. But remember, it's very aggressive, so make sure that you put up barriers for any place you don't want it growing towards (thick plastic will work fine). Also, make sure it's where you want it. Once it's established, it's very difficult to remove. I've heard that water can work as a barrier as well, (like creating an island of bamboo in a small pond). Be careful NOT to use any type of "weed and feed" because it is a type of grass and that could damage it. Otherwise, any fertilizer, manure, compost will just encourage more growth.

Answer 3

I suggest that you visit a Garden Centre where you can see the type of plant that you need. Then you will know what size that they grow to and the colours etc. They are reasonably priced anyway. Be careful as some are very fast growing and make huge proportions