Bamboo is recognized as the fastest-growing plant on Earth, a testament to the remarkable evolutionary biology of the grass family. The speed at which certain species develop is truly extraordinary, with some varieties adding inches, or even feet, of height in a single day. This rapid growth cycle makes bamboo a practical resource for sustainable industries worldwide. Understanding the specific types and the mechanisms driving their elongation directly answers the question of which bamboo grows the fastest.
Understanding Bamboo Growth Habits
The growth rate of any bamboo depends primarily on its rhizome, or underground root structure, which falls into one of two categories. Running bamboo (monopodial) spreads aggressively through long, lateral rhizomes that send up new culms (stems) over a wide area. This type is generally found in temperate climates and is responsible for the plant’s reputation for being invasive.
Clumping bamboo (sympodial) grows in a far more contained manner, with its rhizomes growing vertically and forming tight, dense clusters. It is important to remember that this rapid growth refers only to the vertical elongation of the new culm during a single growing season, not the rate at which the plant colonizes an area.
Specific Species Known for Maximum Speed
The most spectacular growth rates are observed in the running varieties of the Phyllostachys genus, often called timber bamboo. The current documented record belongs to Madake Bamboo (Phyllostachys reticulata), which has been recorded growing up to 121 centimeters (nearly 4 feet) in a single 24-hour period under ideal conditions. A close contender is Moso Bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis), cited for its ability to grow up to 119 centimeters daily. These extreme rates usually occur in tropical or subtropical environments with high humidity, ample water, and rich soil.
While running bamboos hold the top speed records, certain clumping species also exhibit remarkably fast growth. Tropical Giant Bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper), a massive clumping variety, can achieve growth rates of approximately 1.5 inches per hour during its peak growth phase.
The Biology Behind Rapid Culm Expansion
Bamboo’s rapid vertical growth stems from a unique biological mechanism unlike that of most trees and plants. A new bamboo culm emerges from the ground at its full-grown diameter and does not increase in girth thereafter. The rapid elongation is driven by meristematic tissue located in rings at the nodes, known as intercalary meristems.
These specialized tissues allow the multiple hollow segments (internodes) to expand simultaneously, telescoping the culm to its final height in a matter of months. This process is fueled by a massive reserve of carbohydrates and nutrients stored in the extensive underground rhizome system, allowing the shoot to reach its mature height in a single growing season.
Controlling Aggressive Growth
Since the fastest-growing bamboos are usually aggressive running types, managing their spread is a significant practical consideration for gardeners. The most effective method for containing running bamboo is the installation of a physical rhizome barrier made of heavy-duty material, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE).
This barrier must be installed deep enough to intercept the shallow-growing rhizomes; a depth of 22 to 30 inches is recommended, with the top edge extending a few inches above the soil line. Alternatively, regular rhizome pruning involves using a sharp spade to cut any outward-growing rhizomes around the perimeter, typically performed twice a year. Clumping bamboos require far less intervention, as their rhizomes grow close to the main plant, making them easily managed by simply digging up any new shoots that emerge too far from the main clump.