Which bamboo grows the fastest?

The bamboo plant is a diverse group of evergreen flowering plants, well known for their rapid growth and versatile uses. There are approximately 1718 species of bamboo that are currently known to humanity, and determining which species grow the fastest is a bit challenging. We've put together this guide to address all your queries about fast-growing bamboo species and their growth rates, so stay tuned ‘til the very end!

What is bamboo, and what types are there?

Bamboo is widely known as one of the fastest-growing plants on land due to its massive height, which increases even after the plant's maturity. You can instantly recognise this plant by its thick stems, multiple joining nodes, and, occasionally, bamboo flowers. There are two main types of bamboo that we've observed: clumping and running. Clumping bamboo grows in tight clusters and has a comparatively slower growth rate, whereas running bamboo grows rapidly, is difficult to control, and spreads quickly over large areas.

Which bamboo is the fastest growing?

Moso (Phyllostachys edulis) and Madake (Phyllostachys reticulata) are the two types of bamboo species most famously known for their massive growth rates. The former bamboo originates from China and can grow to 90 feet in a few months. If you were to watch your bamboo plant the whole day, you’d notice it grow up to three feet by nightfall! Other popular types of fast-growing bamboo plantations include the Giant Timber Bamboo (Bambusa oldhamii), Golden Bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea), Arrow Bamboo (Pseudosasa japonica), and Black Bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra). The Giant Timber Bamboo can grow up to two feet a day, reaching 70 feet. On the other hand, the Golden Bamboo, the Arrow Bamboo, and the Black Bamboo can grow up to one foot per day, leading to heights of 50, 25, and 40 feet, respectively.

Factors that affect bamboo growth

Bamboo growth is not only affected by the type of species but is also greatly impacted by climate, soil, and water conditions. The plant grows best in warm and humid tropical climates where plenty of rainfall occurs throughout the year. However, the Seabreeze Bamboo (bambusa malingensis) has been reported to grow in temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Regarding soil, it's imperative that it is rich in organic nutrients and has the adequate pH balance required for the optimal growth of bamboo plants. And finally, while bamboo requires lots of water to grow rapidly, it's important to ensure water quality and that it doesn't exceed the plants’ limits – since it can lead to rot and root diseases.

Practical applications of fast-growing bamboo

If you're wondering what fast-growing bamboo has to do with you, this section's just for you! Bamboo is an extremely eco-friendly and sustainable option for producing fabric, paper, or building materials. You can harvest it every few years without damaging the plant's system and environment. And to make things even better, it also serves as a stunning decoration piece in your backyard or garden thanks to its tall, elegant stems and rare yet beautiful flowers.

In addition to these practical uses, fast-growing bamboo also has great environmental benefits. As mentioned above, this crop is highly sustainable and requires fewer resources to maintain and harvest than other crops. It can also be harvested more frequently and matures much faster. This reduces the pressure on natural forests to be our one-stop-shop for wooden goods, paper, fabric, and other materials we want to manufacture.

Furthermore, bamboo is excellent at absorbing carbon dioxide. Compared to other trees, it plays a much more prominent role in mitigating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It is also beneficial for agriculture as it helps prevent soil erosion, provides a safe habitat for wildlife, helps restore degraded lands, reduces water wastage, and provides shade for neighbouring crops.

To sum it up, each bamboo species has its own unique growth rate and characteristics, but fast ones, such as Moso, Giant Timber, and Golden Bamboo, are exceedingly beneficial for the environment and the sustainability and commercial industry.