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Water Rush Bamboo

Horsetail (Equisetum hyemale), also called scouring rush, is a slender, green, reed-type ornamental grass with has tiny leaves fused onto its stems. Horsetail does well in sun or part sun, but is not tolerant of shady areas.

Unknown to most, Bamboo is not completely waterproof, it has natural layers of protection that some hardwoods don’t. This means that its a strong alternative for flooring, furniture or accessories in higher moisture areas.
Bamboo is a grass, therefore more water repellent than wood, but it is not completely waterproof. Once treated, it will increase the amount of water resistance but will never be completely waterproof.

Riet-Correa F, Medeiros R, Pfister J, Mendonça F. Toxic plants affecting the nervous system of ruminants and horses in Brazil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira. 2017;37(12):1357-1368. doi:10.1590/s0100-736×2017001200001
Horsetail thrives best in poor, sandy, gravely soil that is frequently wet. When growing horsetail in a container, consider adding gravel or sand to the potting mix to give it the texture the plant enjoys.Horsetail is usually planted in early spring, though it will survive planting at almost any time. This is an extremely fast-growing plant that achieves full height within a matter of weeks. Horsetail is toxic to grazing animals.

Yes—horsetail is extremely easy to care for. In fact, it is so pervasive, you may actually have the reverse problem and experience issues with controlling the plant. To prevent horsetail from taking over your garden or other planted ground, it’s advisable to use soil barriers or another form of containment.
Julie Thompson-Adolf is a Master Gardener and author with over 30 years of experience in year-round organic gardening; seed starting, growing heirlooms, and sustainable farming.

Emily Estep is a plant biologist and journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics including environmental science and houseplants.
When it comes to soil moisture, horsetail prefers soil that is at least moderately wet. It can even grow in standing water up to a depth of about 4 inches. Thus, it’s well-suited for rain gardens and other areas that may periodically flood. Because of this love of water and moist soil, horsetail should be watered frequently and never allowed to dry out. In warmer climates, this can even mean watering daily. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. While horsetail isn’t pruned in the traditional sense, the main challenge is keeping this plant under control or eradicating it where it is not wanted. Horsetail can extend its roots under sidewalks, garden walls, and driveways, so elimination requires carefully digging up and removing all root pieces, but even that may not always work.

Although there are no direct cultivars of Equisetum hyemalis, there are several related species also known as horsetail. Some of the most popular options include:

Horsetail is extremely adaptable to various light levels, growing in every condition, from full sun to partial shade. That being said, it prefers filtered shade, such as that found on the forest floor beneath tall trees.Horsetail has aggressively spreading underground rhizomes and it can become highly invasive. It can become invasive anywhere, though populations are particularly high in the Pacific Northwest.

Horsetail plants prefer high humidity for several hours a day and thrive in a variety of temperatures. Winter care is not a concern, as the plant is hardy to USDA zones 4 to 9, though the bright green of the stems may fade during especially cold winters.
Horsetail, also called rough horsetail or scouring rush, is a non-flowering evergreen perennial grown where other plants fail. It has hollow vertical green stems with horizontal bands or joints similar to bamboo, but they’re skinnier and taller like ornamental grass. Similar to ferns, horsetail reproduces through spores rather than seeds, as well as underground rhizomes. Horsetail is far from fussy when it comes to growing conditions and it appears impervious to diseases and pests. It grows fine in full sun or part shade, neutral or acidic soil, and though it thrives in humidity, horsetail tolerates any type of temperature.

Whether you grow horsetail in the landscape or in a container, water it often enough to keep the soil moist. Depending on the weather, you may have to water it daily, especially if conditions are hot and dry.In the world of ornamental horticulture, you can find some spectacular bamboo varieties that will make a great addition to your garden. But if you plant the wrong kind of bamboo, it can turn into an awful beast. And then you’ll never want to see another bamboo plant again. With around 1,500 types of bamboo to choose from, it’s helpful to know which are the most invasive varieties, so you can avoid them, and maintain a happy, healthy relationship with this noble family of grasses. Not to mention a friendly relationship with your next door neighbors.

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Clumping Bamboo can be pruned to maintain upright growth, or thinned to maintain an airy appearance. If the plant gets too wide, just clip some of the outer canes back to ground level.

How long does water bamboo live?
about one to two years How long do bamboo plants live? Bamboo grown in water can live about one to two years. For a longer lifespan transfer your bamboo to soil where it can live for several years. It may shed leaves, but as long as you care for it well, it will keep replenishing and growing new leaves.
When planting smaller sized bamboo starts (1 or 2 gallon), it is important to protect them from overexposure to the sun, especially Fargesia and other shade-loving bamboo. This is most important during summer and when the chosen site has concrete or is near a wall that could reflect light and heat on to the plant. In a potentially hot spot, it may be best to use a larger, more well established bamboo (5 gallon or larger), and/or plant in the spring or fall.Bamboo is a giant grass and achieves new heights every year by sending up new and larger shoots each spring. Usually starting between April and June, the new shoots emerge from the ground and reach their full height in approximately two to three months.

Bamboo grown in containers is less hardy than if grown in the ground. Container bamboos, especially those that are not well adapted to hot sun and cold winters, require more care in placement, as they can be damaged if the pot overheats or freezes. A bamboo hardy to 0℉ in the ground may suffer cold damage at 10℉ when grown in a container. The larger the container, the more hardy your bamboo will be.
When planting bamboo over 15 feet tall, it may need to be staked or guyed for the first year of growth or until well anchored by their root mass. This will prevent strong wind from uprooting them or damaging new shoots and culms. Tall bamboo plants are best guyed with a rope tied to the same point on the culms, anywhere from about one third to halfway up the culm. Use three or four guy lines depending upon how much wind you expect. We recommend four ropes, one on each point of the compass. Drive two foot stakes one and one half feet into the ground at least 6 feet from the bamboo. Wood and bamboo stakes work well.After nearly a month of rainy weather, the shoots have only grown about 12 inches, but the are impressive diameter. This is about the last chance to harvest edible shoots before they get too large and fibrous.

What is the best bamboo for privacy?
Gracilis, also known as Slender Weaver or Slender Weaver Bamboo, is the most popular bamboo for privacy, and for good reason: Gracilis grows where most other plants have problems. The non-invasive bamboo is a clumping bamboo variety in a narrow bed of only 50cm instead of the dreaded runner bamboo.
We recommend annual root pruning as the first option for control. A bamboo barrier of 60 mil thickness by 30 inch deep, HDPE (high density polyethylene) can be used for rhizome control. With the exception of very light soil, the bamboo rhizomes are usually in the top few inches of soil. However, when the rhizome encounters an obstruction it will turn and sometimes go down. It is important to avoid loose soil or air pockets next to the barrier or the bamboo may go deeper than you want or perhaps under the barrier.

Restricted root space = restricted height and smaller culm diameter. In general, the expected height would be 1/2 to 3/4 of the maximum height. For example, Black Bamboo (a running bamboo) can grow over 30 feet tall in the ground but often won’t top 15 feet when grown in a container. Clumping Bamboo will often achieve 10 feet in a planter, as opposed to 12 to 15 feet in the ground.We recommend watering your containers when the top of the soil appears dry until water comes out the drainage holes at the bottom. Always monitor your plants for signs of dehydration, like curling leaves. We often water our bamboo every day during extreme heat, but in normal weather, we water 2 to 3 times per week during the summer, or during extended dry periods. 1 to 2 gallons of water per session is usually sufficient, but this amount increases if the container is larger or the bamboo is root bound.

Is too much water bad for bamboo?
Too much water can also cause irreversible decay of roots, commonly called “root rot.” So make sure to plant your bamboo in a well-drained site. In average garden soil you should not have to water your newly planted Bamboo every day.
Taking the care to plant correctly is very important for optimal growth and health. Use garden compost or manure to work into the soil around your new bamboo planting as you are digging the hole for the initial planting. Work the new compost into the bottom of the hole to increase drainage, placing the bamboo in the hole so that the top of the root-mass is level with the top of the soil. Make sure the hole is 1.5 to 2 times as wide as the bamboo root mass.Customizing your bamboo placement allows you to manipulate the plant for a multitude of purposes, whether it’s to build a peaceful oasis or provide a bit more privacy. Here are a few ways to place and space your bamboo.*We sell a blended organic compost, from Teufel Soil Products that has all the essential nutrients including active microbes, worm castings, kelp meal, and composted manure and bark shavings. We have been using this product for several years and it has been consistent in quality and has produced great results for our bamboo.

What is the rarest bamboo in the world?
Dendrocalamus sinicusPlant InfoScientific NameDendrocalamus sinicusSynonymsSinocalamus sinicusCommon NamesGiant Dragon BambooFamilyPoaceae
Once each year you should remove older, unattractive culms and cut off any dead or unattractive branches. You can prune most bamboo without fear of damaging it. Just trim so it looks attractive. Make cuts just above a node, so as not to leave a stub that will die back and look unsightly. If you cut back the top, you may want to also shorten some of the side branches so the plant will look more balanced, not leaving long branches at the top.A young bamboo that is about 8 feet tall with four canes, for example, may produce three additional new shoots in the spring that grow to 10 feet within two months. Next spring, those seven canes will produce about five to ten new shoots that could reach 15 feet. Fast forward four years: the same plant is now sixty canes strong and up to 30 feet tall.Depending on the size of the container, you will need to repot or divide every 5-10 years to maintain optimal health and vigor of the bamboo. With our Sugi Bamboo Planters, bamboo can grow well for up to 10 years. If not maintained, root bound bamboo may escape or even break their container. Repotting/dividing is best done in the springtime. “Dividing” means cutting the bamboo root-mass in half and re-potting the divisions into separate containers. Smaller divisions can be made at this time as well. With our Sugi Bamboo Planters, the bottom can be detached so that the bamboo can be pushed out from beneath which is a big advantage for ease of transplanting.

Mix the remaining compost in with the local soil when backfilling the hole. This will provide a nutrient boost and improve the drainage in the soil around the bamboo roots. Put a 2-3 inch layer of compost over the top of the bamboo. Water the new planting thoroughly.
We recommend using our Sugi Bamboo Planter because it offers good insulation from heat and cold, and ease of maintenance because of the trapezoidal shape and Bamboo Barrier lining. If metal stock tanks are used for bamboo, we recommend insulating the inside with Bamboo Barrier. Metal stock should have extra drain holes (1/2” diameter and ~2 per square foot) as well to provide adequate drainage. We suggest placing any container on brick footings to avoid the eventual blocking of the drainage holes or degradation of the container.

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How tall is the water rush bamboo?
2 to 5 feet tall Water Rush Bamboo (equisetum hyemale) – Elegant leafless stems stand erect 2 to 5 feet tall with rigid dark evergreen hollow jointed nodes that have a blackish ring around them. This ancient plant has existed for millions of years and is still growing strong. Cached
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Equisetum is the botanical name for the plant known commonly as rough horsetail or scouring rush. Its ancestors were gigantic plants in Paleozoic times.
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The class includes only a single genus, Equisetum, the name derived from the Latin words equus (a horse) and seta (a bristle), from the peculiar bristly appearance of the jointed stems of the plants, which have also earned them their popular names of Horsetail, Bottle-brush, Paddock-pipes, and Scouring Rush. An exotic looking plant that is easy to grow, attracts attention and is great for containers, planter, beds, and is a complement to any water feature. Has a very distinctive jointed look. Prefers shade in the afternoon. Grows well in just about any kind of soil, even grows in shallow water. Forms upright clumps of cylindrica, leafless green stems with brown cones. Leaves are reduced to very small node-scales. Desirable for year round green color. Prime out old stems that become dry and brown. A most interesting plant, horsetail even makes a toy. The larger sections of plant can be pulled apart and made into a whistle; and the sections of plant can be strung together like a Tinker Toy. Its scouring rush name comes from its use by early pioneers in America (or present day Boy Scouts in an emergency) using sections of the plant as a scouring “pad” to clean pots and pans due to abundant silica in stems. When grown in or near water, plant stems make a popular landing pad for dragonflies. In the wild they serve as food for various kinds of wildlife, including mammals. A primitive exotic plant that is a survivor from the Age of the Dinosaurs–a living fossil. Everyone should have an Equietum plant, just to talk about…as a “conversation plant”. Grows 3-4 feet has few pest, if any and grows well in full to partial sun. Plant can be invasive.Peak Period: Middle Devonian (410 to 360 million years ago) In their prehistoric heyday, ferns dominated landscapes. Many evolved into modern plants, and more than 12,000 species thrive today. From big tree ferns to tiny, wispy strains, they reproduce from spores found beneath their fronds, or leaves.
Horsetail, because of its active ingredients silicic acid, phytosterol, beta-sitosterol, malic acid, vitamin C, volatile oil, and potassium salts, is considered an antimicrobial, antiseptic, and can prevent inflammation. Horsetail can be made into a tea, or taken in extract form. When ingested, horsetail can aid digestion problems, renal disorders, bronchitis and pneumonia, arthritis, head aches and tiredness. Horsetail extract, added to a shampoo, can help prevent dandruff.

The plant is sometimes sold in the nursery trade as “barred horsetail” or “Equisetum japonicum”, but is different in appearance than Equisetum ramosissimum var. Japonicum.
Equisetum hyemale (commonly known as rough horsetail, scouring rush, scouringrush horsetail and, in South Africa, as snake grass) is a perennial herbaceous vascular plant in the horsetail family Equisetaceae. It is a native plant throughout the Holarctic Kingdom, found in North America, Europe, and northern Asia.The stems are generally deciduous in cold climates, and remain during winter in warmer climates. It forms dense spreading colonies, in full to partial sun. The plant spreads very aggressively by underground runners, reaching under/past pavements and garden walls. Root barriers or large sunken planters ease containment in the garden. It is primarily found in wetlands, and in riparian zones of rivers and streams where it can withstand seasonal flooding. It is also found around springs and seeps, and can indicate their presence when not flowing. Other habitats include moist forest and woodland openings, lake and pond shores, ditches, and marshes and swamps.Two Equisetum plants are sold commercially under the names Equisetum japonicum (barred horsetail) and Equisetum camtschatcense (Kamchatka horsetail). These are both types of E. hyemale var. hyemale, although they may also be listed as varieties of E. hyemale.

What is bamboo rush?
Chondropetalum tectorum, commonly known as Bamboo Rush has reed-like stems are jointed and bracketed with paper-like husks, resembling a very slender green bamboo stem.
The tiny leaves are joined together around the stem, forming a narrow black-green band or sheath at each joint. Like other ferns and their relatives, the plant reproduces by spores and does not produce flowers or seeds.Equisetum hyemale cultivated as an ornamental plant, for use in contained garden beds and planters, and in pots. It is a popular “icon plant” in contemporary Modernist and Asian style garden design. Its tight verticality fits into narrow planting spaces between walkways and walls, and on small balconies.

Equisetum hyemale has vertical jointed reed-like stalks of medium to dark green. The hollow stems are up to 3 feet (0.91 m) in height. The stems are seldom branched. The stems themselves have conspicuous ridges, which are impregnated with silica. This makes the ridges feel rough and harsh.In nature Equisetum hyemale grows in mesic (reliably moist) habitats, often in sandy or gravelly areas. It grows from between sea level to 2,530 metres (8,300 ft) in elevation.

Algae can form in the water, so try to clean out the container and change the water regularly (about once a week). Tap water is okay for the bamboo plant to drink, as long as chlorine levels are low. To be safe, leave tap water out overnight so the chlorine can evaporate before you use it to water your lucky bamboo.
Temperatures: Lucky bamboo thrives in temperatures anywhere from 65–95°F (18–35°C), so it makes a great office or house plant. During colder months, be wary about leaving your plant near windows or other places with a cold draft.

What is the most aggressive bamboo?
The most invasive varieties belong to the genus Phyllostachys. These temperate bamboos, native to East Asia, have running rhizomes that can spread indefinitely. Other aggressive, running bamboo genera include Sasa and Pleioblastus, but they tend to grow much smaller.
ProTip: If you have high levels of fluoride in your tap water, we recommend using filtered water, such as bottled water. Fluoride will not evaporate and is toxic to plants like lucky bamboo.This depends on what your plant care routine is. If you have a yellow bamboo plant, adjust accordingly by stopping fertilization, switching to filtered water or moving your plant to a place with less light. If your lucky bamboo has been infiltrated by pests or fungi, remove the infected area and use a (natural) pesticide, soap or rubbing alcohol depending on the plant’s ailment.Have a question about your lucky bamboo plant? Check out these frequently asked questions and find your answer. If you don’t see your inquiry, feel free to post it in the comment section below.

Lucky bamboo is an easy plant to care for which makes it great for offices and homes alike. It’s happy growing in soil or water but has the longest life when grown in soil. Because it’s a Dracaena, lucky bamboo care is more in line with Dracaena care as opposed to bamboo. If growing in water, it should be replaced every week. If planted in soil, the soil should be kept slightly damp, so don’t overwater or let it get dry. Lucky bamboo does best in indirect light and in the temperature range of 65–95°F (18–35°C). It loves these somewhat tropical conditions and is considered to be in the hardiness zones of 10–11.
Toxicity: Lucky bamboo is toxic for cats and dogs, so make sure to keep it out of reach. If consumed by your fur babies it can cause incoordination, weakness, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, drooling and dilated pupils. Lucky bamboo is not toxic to humans, however.Lucky bamboo plants with one to nine stalks are all acceptable for good luck and well wishes (except four stalks which is bad luck and should be avoided).

Braid the stalks by taking the right stalk over the middle stalk and bring the middle stalk to the right. Take the left stalk and cross it over the stalk that’s now in the middle and bring that stalk out to the left of the new middle stalk.Choose a container with three potted stalks (they should be ½ to one inch thick and planted about two inches apart from each other in a triangle or row) or plant your own.Lucky bamboo is a perfect option if you’re looking for a Feng Shui compatible plant. According to the Chinese practice, lucky bamboo is related to the five elements: Earth (pebbles in the container), wood (the plant itself), water (the water in the container), fire (the red ribbon often tied on the plant) and metal (the metal coin attached to the ribbon). Since the bamboo is hollow it’s said to be a great conductor of Chi energy. This allows wisdom and prosperity to flow through. The amount of stalks also has a big effect on the meaning of a particular lucky bamboo plant. They all have positive meanings except for four-stalk lucky bamboo, which is one you should avoid. See the different meanings below: Lucky bamboo is a versatile plant that makes a great gift for anyone, because who doesn’t need some good luck every now and again? It’s a perfect gift for dads who can be notoriously difficult to shop for as well as other guys in your life, including friends, boyfriends, husbands and family members. Use the lucky bamboo plant symbolism listed above to find the perfect amount of stalks for you or a loved one. Repotting: How do you know when to repot your bamboo? You should repot once the roots become too tight in the container. Once you see the roots crowding, move the bamboo to a larger container. If your plant is growing in just water, simply move it to a new vase. If you’re using rocks, dump them out, place your plant in the new container (or trim back the roots to use the same container) and replace the rocks. If you’re using soil, dampen the soil, flip the plant with your hand on the stalks and soil to remove the plant, and move it to a larger pot.Problems: Your lucky bamboo should be green, but if any part of the stem or leaves are yellow, this indicates your plant could be sick. Remove the yellow part of the stem or the leaves completely so it doesn’t spread to the rest of the plant.Lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) is surprisingly not actually bamboo as its scientific name suggests: It’s part of the Dracaena genus. The lucky bamboo plant is from Southeast Asia and is well-known for its use in Feng Shui for over 5,000 years. In these practices, it is said to represent good luck and happiness, making it an ideal and popular gift in business and personal matters. Another factor that makes lucky bamboo so popular is its ability to be trained into shapes like a swirl, heart, braid and other designs. See the sections below for a more in-depth look at the symbolism of lucky bamboo and how to create different bamboo designs.A bamboo plant can turn yellow for a couple of reasons. These include too much fertilizer, too much chlorine or fluoride in the water, or too much sun.

Lucky bamboo has been a staple in homes and Feng Shui for years. It’s a symbol of luck and prosperity making it a common gift and the perfect small house plant. Learn more about why this plant is so popular and how you can grow one of your own. Included is information about the plant’s origin, symbolism, and FAQs, as well as lucky bamboo care tips.
It’s fairly simple to learn how to care for lucky bamboo. We’ve included in-depth information on sunlight, water, temperature, toxicity, potting, propagation needs and common pests and problems. Our quick step-by-step bamboo care guide can be seen below:

Some of the most alluring parts of lucky bamboo are the cool designs that you can create by twisting different stalks together. The key to training lucky bamboo is using light. By manipulating the light source you can create a fun spiral or other design.

Bamboo grown in water can live about one to two years. For a longer lifespan transfer your bamboo to soil where it can live for several years. It may shed leaves, but as long as you care for it well, it will keep replenishing and growing new leaves.
Water: If growing your plant in soil, make sure it’s kept slightly damp. Don’t let the soil get too dry and don’t overwater since that can lead to root rot. Bamboo does not need much water to survive, but it can be grown in water as well. If you choose to grow your bamboo in water, make sure the roots always stay covered with water. Replenish your lucky bamboo with fresh water every seven to 10 days to keep it happy and healthy.

Sunlight: Lucky bamboo requires moderate or indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight will scorch the leaves, so avoid placing your plant in front of a bright window. Scorched leaves look like how they sound: The edges of the leaves will have a brown tinge to them almost like they were burned by fire. If your leaves look a little scorched, move your bamboo to an area with less light.Propagation: To propagate a lucky bamboo plant, first identify a healthy parent stalk (should have more than two bamboo segments) with an offshoot. Clip the offshoot from where it connects to the parent plant stalk and remove its bottom layer of leaves to create a new independent stalk. Place the new stalk in a small container of water and nurture the plant as you would a larger one. Repot as needed.

Does bamboo repel water?
Bamboo is a grass, therefore more water repellent than wood, but it is not completely waterproof. Once treated, it will increase the amount of water resistance but will never be completely waterproof. Unknown to most, Bamboo is not completely waterproof, it has natural layers of protection that some hardwoods don’t.
Pests: Some common pests that affect lucky bamboo include mealybugs, mites and fungal infections. If you notice grey fuzz on your plant it could be a fungal infection, so remove the infected growth, keep the stalk and leaves dry, and increase air circulation. Mealybugs are small white insects that should be removed manually and with rubbing alcohol. Although mites (presented as white webbing or fuzz) don’t typically affect lucky bamboo, they can be caught by other household plants. They need to be eradicated with water and dish detergent — see plant disease treatments for more detail.The thick and leathery culm sheaths of Dendrocalamus sinicus have a yellow-brown color with appressed dark brown hairs. They have a triangular shape, no auricles, and a sheath blade that is sprung outward. The culm sheaths remain attached to the culm for several years. According to data analysis from fixed investigation plots in China, Dendrocalamus sinicus usually begins to produce new shoots between the end of May and the beginning of June and finishes shooting season at the end of August and the beginning of September. The total shooting period is about 65-70 days with a peak period of about 55 days between the middle of June to the middle of July. Dendrocalamus sinicus has excellent characteristics and great potential for extensive development. It is a bamboo species of high economic value with many applications in the furniture, construction, and paper and pulp industry.Dendrocalamus sinicus, also known as “Giant Dragon Bamboo”, is the largest bamboo in the world. It has the tallest and biggest culms of any known bamboo species which can reach up to 46 meters in height, and up to 37 cm in diameter.

How often do you water bamboo?
Twice a week during mild weather and three to four times per week during hot or windy weather. Make sure that each plant under 5 gallon pot size gets at least ½ gallon of water. For plants over five gallons, we advise watering with more than one gallon.
The culm internodes are on average 17-22 cm long and thick walled (up to 6 cm). Young culms are covered with white blooms which gives them a dull green color. Some basal nodes have a ring of yellowish brown silky hairs with short aerial roots.

The strong woody culms of Dendrocalamus sinicus are fast growing and on average between 20-30 m tall and 20-30 cm in diameter, but culms of 46 meters and 37 cm in diameter are reported. Each culm can weigh up to 450 kg and a clump can eventually consists of about one hundred culms.
In China (southwest areas of the Yunnan province) Dendrocalamus sinicus grows native in low hill areas, flat areas and valleys at altitudes between 500-1870 m above sea level. Its natural habitat lays within the Tropic of Cancer which is the area between the equator and 23° north of the equator. It often forms populations constituted of several scattered or dozens of clumps.

How do I know if my bamboo is overwatered?
Generally, symptoms of over-watered bamboo or bamboo planted in a wet site are excess yellowing foliage, rotting new canes and leaf tip die back.
Compared with other bamboos, Dendrocalamus sinicus has a low survival rate when propagated by clump separation. Culm and branch cutting also show very limited success. As the male and female flower heads do not mature at the same time, pollination is very difficult. With a great deal of luck you may collect only a few viable seeds per plant. Dendrocalamus sinicus has no lower branches, lateral branches only develop from the upper part of the culm. Upper nodes contain many sub-equal branches.This gigantic clumping bamboo is native to Laos and the Yunnan Province of China where it has long enjoyed great prominence. Its limited distribution, however, makes it a very rare species in other parts of the world. In fact, Dendrocalamus sinicus was only recently discovered by the outside world in 1982. Prior to that, it was unknown to science.

The shoots appear earlier in sunny areas than in shaded areas, and also appear earlier at low elevations compared to high elevations. In just 3 months time, new shoots can reach the maximum height and diameter defined by the species which is 30 m tall and 30 cm in diameter. Dendrocalamus sinicus is therefore believed to be the fastest growing plant on the planet.
Dendrocalamus sinicus culm yield is 5–8 times more than that of Phyllostachys edulis (Moso Bamboo), which is currently the most economically important bamboo species in China.Dendrocalamus sinicus can grow at higher altitudes or in colder areas of up to 12 days of -5°C a year, but culm sizes will decrease to 20 m in height and 20 cm in diameter.In its native area, Dendrocalamus sinicus is a very fine timber, and an important raw material for building houses, furniture, handicrafts, and producing paper pulp. Since this bamboo is very big, it is often used for fetching water. A single internode is widely used as a stool, a food container, or as a pig trough among many other things.

The biggest and tallest specimens are found in tropical rain forests at altitudes between 500-1200 m above sea level, with a yearly average temperature between 15 – 22°C, a lowest monthly average temperature greater than 13°C, without days of frost all year around, and an annual rain fall between 1200 – 2800 mm.

Dendrocalamus sinicus is rarely found flowering, but when it does flower it is sporadically rather than gregariously with a very low rate of seed setting.