The Bamboo is Popular Than Ever(2008/08/12)
By JUSTIN B. MORELOS
August 11, 2009, 12:27pm
    The bamboos are a group of woody perennial evergreen plants in the true grass family Poaceae. Some are giant bamboos, which are the largest members of the grass family.  Bamboos are the fastest growing woody plants in the world.   Due to a unique rhizome-dependent system, bamboos manage a growth rate of about 24 inches per day.
    In the bamboo species, there are two general patterns of growth: the "clumping" (sympodial) and "running" (monopodial). Clumping bamboo species tend to spread slowly, as the growth pattern of the rhizomes or root mass gradually expand, which is similar to how ornamental grass grows.
    "Running" bamboos, on the other hand, need careful attention during cultivation because of the roots' tendency to spread widely underground and send up new culms to break through the surface. Running bamboo species are highly variable in their tendency to spread; this is related to both the species and the soil and climate conditions. Some can send out runners of several meters a year, while others can stay in the same general area for long periods. If neglected, over time they can cause problems by moving into adjacent areas. 
    Some of the plants available in the market include the Pole Bamboo, Taiwan Bamboo, Australian Bamboo, Yellow Bamboo, Buddha's Belly Bamboo, Wamin Bamboo, Variegated Bamboo, Golden Bamboo and the Black Bamboo. These plants are very tolerant and persistent, and will thrive in areas with minimal care, watering or soil fertility.
    Aside from landscaping, bamboos have other uses. Culinary experts use edible bamboo shoots (labong) in various Chinese and Filipino dishes.  Bamboos are used as in construction as scaffolding and can reach great heights compared to other wood material. 
    When properly treated, bamboo forms a very hard wood which is both lightweight and exceptionally durable unlike many other woods. It's the reason why our Filipino ancestors used it as a building material for houses. It is no longer considered the poor man's timber but a multi-purpose crop with so many uses.
Cultural Requirements:
    Light. Bamboos require full sun or direct exposure to light in order to fully grow and develop. However, some may tolerate partial shade.
    Watering. Mature bamboos don't require too much water.  They have culms or rhizomes which absorb and store water during the rainy season. Thus, they get to have enough supply during summer.  Young plants and newly established plants require regular watering, however. For indoor planting, bamboos are very sensitive to the very dry air-conditioned environment and will require daily watering.  Bamboos are at their fastest rate of growth during the rainy season.
Soil. Bamboos can thrive in almost any type of soil, be it in upland or lowland areas. For urban and indoor gardening,