Bamboo is known for its fast growth
Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants, able to grow up to 4 cm per hour under optimal conditions. The speed of bamboo growth depends on species, climate, soil, and growing conditions.
But incredibly fast growth is a common characteristic across bamboos. Learn about how fast bamboo grow and how to make sure they grow as fast as they possibly can.
How Fast Does Bamboo Grow in a Day?
Many bamboo species can grow well over 3.3 feet in a day at peak growing times. Exact growth per day depends on factors like variety, season, and age of the rhizome system.
But growth bursts over 24 inches in a single day have been recorded in tropical clumping bamboos like Bambusa vulgaris (Common bamboo) and Dendrocalamus giganteus (Giant bamboo).
How Fast Does Bamboo Grow in a Week?
Given bamboo’s potential to grow over 4 cm per hour, a week allows immense growth potential. Under ideal conditions, tropical clumping bamboos can grow heights of 10 feet (3 meters) or more within a single week from an emerging shoot.
Sustained warm temperatures, high humidity, and abundant nutrients enable this incredible week-long growth spurt.
Why Do Bamboos Grow So Fast?
Bamboo’s rapid growth is due to anatomical and evolutionary reasons:
- Shallow, but extensive root structures rapidly absorb water and nutrients from topsoil.
- Specialized cells at the nodes facilitate fast transfer of water and nutrients up the stem.
- Low branching allows sunlight to directly reach more leaf and stem surface area.
- The lack of secondary woody growth diverts energy directly into primary upward growth.
- Fast initial growth outcompetes surrounding vegetation in tropical bamboo’s native habitat.
How Long Will it Take Bamboo to Fully Grow?
Most bamboo will achieve their full heights within 3-4 months after shooting. Giant timber bamboos may take 4-5 years to gain full thickness and strength.
After initial shoot growth, bamboo culms gradually harden and turnover of new culms steadily continues from the rhizome system. But maximum height comes quickly thanks to the rapid shoot growth rate.
How Can You Optimize the Conditions for Bamboo Growth?
If your goal is maximum growth in a limited time, then follow these steps to grow your bamboo as fast as possible:
1) Soil
Bamboo thrives in nutrient-rich and fast-draining soil high in organic matter. Improving clay soils help with the rapid growth.
Follow these steps to get the optimal growth for your bamboo:
- Adding compost,
- Adding sand or gravel for better water filtration and air pockets,
- Add proper drainage
- Balance pH levels.
2) Sun
Like any plant, the sun is the most ideal factor however something to note is that bamboo tolerates partial shade. But as always, more sunlight exposure fuels faster growth.
3) Watering
Abundant moisture is crucial for maximum growth, especially at the early stages of growth. Regularly watering your bamboo is important.
4) Sunlight
Bamboo grows faster during the day when actively photosynthesizing. Night growth comes from translocating and utilizing those daytime carbohydrates.
Which Bamboo Species Grow the Fastest?
Some notably fast growing bamboo varieties include:
- Moso Bamboo – Up to 35 inches per day. Can reach 90 feet tall.
- Giant Timber Bamboo – Grows nearly 2 inches per hour. Achieves 130 feet.
- Yellow Groove Bamboo – Grows 1 foot per day. Quickly forms groves up to 40 feet.
- Buddha Belly Bamboo – Can grow 3 feet per day. Max height around 50 feet.
Conclusion
No plant can match bamboo’s ability to rapidly shoot up to towering heights within days or weeks. Under the right conditions, bamboo growth can exceed 4 cm per hour and 3.3 feet per day.
Making sure bamboo has the right soil, enough sunlight, water, and fertilization will allow bamboo plants to maximize their spectacular growth potential.