Waya Atli
10th January 2005, 01:41 PM
If I want to grow my own bamboo to make flutes, What would be the best species? Do I need a large amount of water, and will it grow in hot climate?
Mark Meckes
17th January 2005, 01:52 AM
Hi Waya,
Many bamboos, just like lawns or grasslands, can be quite drought tolerant once established, but because bamboo directs all it's energy to shoot growth during one short period of the year, adequate moisture is essential prior to, (to store nutrients and form shoot buds), and during the shoot emergence.
Anything less then what it optimally needs will result in smaller height and diameter, and in the case of flute making, possibly shorter internode distance.
However many bamboos species can survive and prosper in less then their ideal conditions, and though often smaller in stature, can sometimes actually produce stronger material. (Succulent growth is not always what it's pumped up to be)
Whatever the bamboo, hot and dry conditions require one to be especially attentive during the first couple of seasons, so that the bamboo can become well anchored, Thereafter the bamboo could be coaxed into adapting to the environment, by providing supplemental moisture only during critical stages.
Other factors affecting growth are soil type and Ph.
Some areas of Texas are quite alkaline, and a number of species which should grow well in parts of Texas suffer from leaf tip die-back, seemingly as a result of this.
There are many different types of hot and dry regions of the world, and it could be very misleading to suggest species without knowing specifics of the climate that the bamboo is to grow in.
Please provide as much info as possible about your localized growing conditions, and seasonal weather patterns.
It takes two to tango. :)
Mark
(Del Rio = the river?)