Bamboo Myths
Debunked

“Don’t plant bamboo-- it’ll take over your yard.”

We regularly overhear this comment while sitting with our bamboo at plant shows. Sometimes we’ll get up and try to disabuse the comment, but other times we just figure it’s an uphill battle…

But is it true?

To answer the question, we need to distinguish between two types of bamboo: running (monopodial) and clumping (sympodial) bamboo. Running bamboos are most often found in temperate climates, as they tend to be more hardy than the clumping bamboos. Some of these running bamboos -- well, they run! They put out underground runners that can be as long as the bamboo is tall, and yes, they can take over your yard if they are not properly contained. In Georgia we once saw a grove of thirty foot tall running bamboo occupying over an acre in area. Next to this acre was a mowed field. Sure enough, over thirty feet into this field was a new shoot starting up! On the other hand, there are beautiful running bamboos, some of which make lovely potted plants …

Fortunately for those of us living in the South we can grow noninvasive clumping bamboos. The growth of these is more predictable, with a habit similar to a banana plant or an areca palm. The culms (bamboo canes) of clumping bamboo form a circle which widens over time as new shoots come up from the rhizome (underground part of the plant). In clumping bamboos the shoots are close to the existing culms (bamboo canes) and can be easily managed (see Bamboo Care).

It is helpful to choose the right clumping bamboo for the right space. Some clumping bamboos form a naturally tight circle, with the culms coming up within a few inches of each other-- for example, our Malay variegated is very happy in the middle of our vegetable and herb garden. On the other hand, over time, some of the giant bamboos can form a circle with a diameter of ten feet or more. Some big bamboos will form more compact circles than others-- each has its own characteristics and needs to be evaluated separately.

“My lucky bamboo grows really well inside”

True, it does—but it is not a bamboo, it’s a dracaena. Bamboo isn’t easily grown inside; it doesn’t like the air conditioning. Better to try it on your patio or the south side of your screened enclosure. We’re presently experimenting with some tough temperate varieties for indoors—more on this later.