Tuesday 17 February 2009

Bamboo - Traits and Applications

When most people hear the word "bamboo" they think of a plant that is wood-based. But in all actuality bamboo is just grass. It varies in height from one foot dwarf plants to giant timber bamboos which may grow to over 100 feet. It can grow in many different climates, from mountainsides to jungles.

These plants are further classified by the types of roots they have. Some, called runners, spread exuberantly. Others are classified as clumpers, which slowly expand from the original planting. Generally, the tropical bamboos tend to be clumpers while those of temperate climates tend to be runners.

Bamboo is both decorative and useful. In many parts of the world it is food, fodder, and the primary construction material. It is used for making a great variety of useful objects from kitchen tools, to paper to dinnerware.

Many people enjoy having utilizing its various species in their flooring. An advantage of bamboo flooring is that it is easier to clean than carpet. Also, it often fits the décor of some homes better than tile or linoleum.

This valuable resource may also be used in the creation of rugs. They are perfect for use in dining areas which are carpeted. Placing one of these rugs below the kitchen table provides excellent protection from any food or drink spills onto the carpet below. The material is cleaned with ease.

This exotic grass type has been measured to grow 47.6 inches in a 24-hour period. However, many consider it more remarkable that eight-inch diameter, 60 to 80 foot tall bamboos have reached that height in one growing season, which might have been as short as two months.

When growing bamboo, most people have a place in mind as to where they want to plant their bamboo. One should take care to remember that most large bamboos grow quicker and do their best in full sun.

They must be given ample water, fertilizer, and protection from competitive weeds. They will benefit from a windscreen and light shade when first planted as well. This is especially true of smaller plants.

Make sure that each plant under a five gallon pot size gets at least a gallon of water. For plants over five gallon size, more than one gallon is advisable.

Once a bamboo has reached the desired size, it can survive with much less irrigation. But until then you must water and fertilize copiously to achieve optimum growth.

Lack of sufficient water, especially during hot or windy weather, is the leading cause of failure or poor growth of new bamboo plants. Watering newly planted bamboos every day, or for longer than a few minutes can cause excess leaf drop. Well established bamboos are rather tolerant of flooding, but newly planted bamboos can suffer from too much as well as too little water.

By Anne Clarke

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for Web sites on parenting, recreation, and home decor. Her background also includes teaching, gardening, and fashion. For more of her useful articles on bamboo, please visit Bamboo Flooring, supplier of useful information on the plant as well as its many types and uses.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anne_Clarke

0 comments: