Expert: Dr. Rakesh Kumar - 8/12/2009

Question
QUESTION: I picked your name from a Google  search for  "bamboo experts" and I hope you will have the time to answer  my questions.

We (the University of Toronto) put up a new building  a couple  of  years ago that  included a magnificent  indoor garden (about 40 x 150 feet) of Phyllostachys bamboo. Unfortunately, the bamboo did  not thrive and  we had to remove  it about six months ago. We have  recently   engaged  a landscape architect  in our Faculty of Architecture who came to the conclusion that almost everything  we did initially--soil, light drainage, irrigation was inadequate. Consequently with his advice we are planning to re-do the  entire garden.

However, there remains the crucial question of what species to plant. After phoning and emailing around to various places, the advice I received was that a temperate species (such as  Phyllostachys) is unlikely to grow in height under indoor conditions with no seasonal cycling and might even  be expected to  deteriorate over time. On the other hand, a tropical species (Bambusa, perhaps?) might thrive, provided that we can provide adequate light  and  air-moisture.

Could you tell me your opinion of this matter? We will be spending a lot of money on re-doing this garden and we would like to get it right  this time around.

I appreciate any advice you can give us.

Best regards, James Friesen



ANSWER: Dear James,
Firstly I want to know the purpose of planting the bamboo. If you are going to plant them for just fill the gaps or decorative purpose then I can suggest one species i.e. Bambusa multiplex. The second species may be Chimonobambusa marmorea for the same purpose, but the later species is running type and spread around. Further, I would like to know the environmental conditions of the site for more suggestions.
Rakesh

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear Dr. Kumar:

Thank you for your prompt reply.

In answer to your questions, the garden is  meant to be for decorative purposes. I believe that spreading  is not a problem, since the garden is rather large.  As to the environmental conditions, the garden is in a large public building in a temperate climate. It is air conditioned  in the summer and heated  in the  winter; the average temperature is probably about 20C. We intend to provide water-misting to  keep the air as moist as possible, especially in the winter months. Above-ground  irrigation  will be maintained through a  programmable, automated system. We will also be providing additional lighting to a level of  250-500 foot candles.

One question that I am  particularly interested  in is the suitability of a TEMPERATE bamboo for indoors.   If such a species cannot  be subjected to seasonal variations will it thrive indoors? Will it grow in height? Or will it eventually decline and  die?

I appreciate your thoughtful attention to my questions and I look forward to your reply.

Best regards, James Friesen, Professor Emeritus  

Answer
Dear James,
Following species may be recommednded for your purpose:
Fargesia denudata,
Phyllostachys bambusoides 'Marliac',
Phyllostachys aurea,
Arundinaria gigantea,
Borinda Boliana,
Chimonobambusa marmorea,
Semiarundinaria okuboi.
You can choose more than one species from the list subject to the availability. These all species are temperate and prefer shade for good growth.
All the very best
Rakesh