Bamboo

Overview

Bamboo is a giant grass that grows faster than almost any other plant. Mature poles (culms) are strong, light, and useful for building, fencing, trellises, and tools. Clumping bamboos stay in a tight clump; running bamboos spread far and are very hard to remove.

History

Bamboo grows across Asia, the Americas, and Africa, and has been used for building, tools, and containers for thousands of years. Many species are now grown in Hawaiʻi.

Growing on Kauaʻi

• Grows best with good rain or irrigation and rich soil.
• Plant only clumping types. Never plant running bamboos.
• Good building species include Dendrocalamus asper, Guadua angustifolia, and Bambusa oldhamii. Avoid Bambusa vulgaris for permanent building.

Planting and propagation

• Buy divisions from a reputable local grower who can confirm the species.
• Plant in a large hole with compost, and water often for the first year.

Care and maintenance

• Thin old and damaged culms each year.
• Mulch with the fallen leaves.

Role in the guild

Bamboo works best in its own corner as a windbreak and material source, away from beds it would shade or root into.

Harvest

Harvest mature culms (usually 3–5 years old) in the drier months. Cure them before use (for example by soaking or borate treatment) to protect against beetles and rot.

Uses

• Building: poles, trellises, fences, and furniture.
• Garden: stakes and tool handles.
• Food: young shoots of some species, always boiled.
• Soil: leaf litter mulch.

Problems to watch

• Powderpost beetles in uncured poles.
• Running types escaping into neighboring land.

General guidance for Kauaʻi; conditions vary by site. Check any new plant at plantpono.org before planting.