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Bamboos are increasingly present in homes, as they are a great option for gardens and also possible to have in water or pot indoors. Scientific name Bambusoideae, they are actually a whole subfamily of plants of the grass family. There are more than 200 species of bamboo, all with their peculiarities.
If you want to learn more about the different types of bamboo that exist, join us in this Green Ecologist article in which we talk about the best known ones, as well as their care to keep them at home.
What types of bamboo are there
They are a type of plants with a wide and very varied distribution, which can have heights from less than 1 meter to an incredible 25 meters high. There are tropical and temperate climates, as well as herbaceous or woody, and some are even climbers. As we mentioned at the beginning, there are more than 200 species of bamboo.
Due to the characteristics of its wood, since it is highly resistant and a highly regenerative plant, bamboo is one of the most widely used woods in the world for construction. Here we explain more about the Uses of bamboo as a sustainable resource.
Next, we will see what are some of the main types of bamboo and their characteristics.
Bamboo Bambusa
These are the taller bamboo. They are made of strong, hard and woody trunks, which are also hollow inside. Traditionally they have been used in the construction of cabins and structures in Asian countries. The Bambusa bamboo they are characterized by being little invasive.
Bamboo Phyllostachys
These bamboos tend to show a golden or black coloration on their stems, and they are one of the best types of indoor bamboo, since its rhizomes extend throughout the pot and cover it, although its roots are so strong that they can break fragile pots. Its roots are very invasive, and come to power even with concrete.
Bamboo Sasa
These are a genre of small size bamboo, which have runner roots that can spread too much if not contained in some way. For this reason, precisely, they tend to be sown in containers and spaces that do not give them too much freedom, since they can eliminate other plants that grow in the same soil.
Can you have potted bamboo?
Many bamboos can be potted indoors or in the garden, but it is important to pay attention to the specific type of bamboo you are planting. Those of the genera Phyllostachis and Sasa have very invasive roots that escape the pot and seek more ground to invade, and which are also really strong and can break very hard materials. For this reason, do not use ceramic pots for these bamboos, and use them made of resin or some other resistant material.
In this sense, the varieties of fargesia bamboo to have in pot, What:
- Fargesia rufa
- Fargesia murielae
- Fargesia robust campbell
- Fargesia angustissima
These varieties are not invasive roots, and instead gradually develop around the initial stem.
What is lucky bamboo
Although it is called lucky bamboo, this plant is not actually a bamboo itself, but a Dracanea deremensis, of the genre of dracenes. It can be purchased in many garden stores both in loose rods and in small groups, and it is advisable to transplant it into a pot or soil with a light substrate after purchasing it, so that its roots have greater freedom.
Learn more about this plant with this other Green Ecologist article on Lucky Bamboo.
How to care for a bamboo - basic care
Bamboo is a very resistant plant that requires little care. Thanks to this and to the aesthetic touch of oriental style that it gives to any decoration, it is increasingly popular in interiors and gardens of all kinds. These are the basic bamboo care:
Watering the bamboo
The vast majority of indoor bamboos are aquatic plants, so they need a large amount of watering regularly and abundantly. Of course, it is important that the roots of the plant are not submerged for long periods, or they could become ill. Therefore, it is recommended to maintain an irrigation of up to four times a week in hot climates or seasons, and twice a week in temperate conditions.
Bamboo growth
These plants tend to be high-growing and very invasive. For this reason, in a pot they will need a transplant every season or you run the risk that the roots may even break the pot. In addition, if you plant your bamboo outdoors, we recommend that you put up anti-rhizome barriers to keep the area of land on which the plant spreads controlled.
Light
Bamboo does not require too much sunlight, in fact it is better not to receive it directly, since it is natural in shady places. Faced with an excess of light, the plant will turn yellow and can even die.
Temperature
As we have said, these plants are native to tropical or temperate climates, so they do not resist very low temperatures well. If you live in a very cold area, you will most likely have problems keeping your bamboo in good condition and it is best to opt for one indoors.
With the video below and this other article you can learn more about How to care for a bamboo.
If you want to read more articles similar to Types of bamboo, we recommend that you enter our category of Outdoor Plants.
