Dendrocalamus sinicus: any info?

[Scott]

I'm like to learn more about Dendrocalamus sinicus, a variety from China that can grow up to 15" in diameter. Does any have any knowledge? Is this suitable for construction?

[bambookid524]

All I know is it is freakin' HUGE!!! It should work for construction considering it's culms are almost totally solid.

[Dean W.]

Scott,

I would assume it would be good for building. Here's a link of a picture. http://community.travelchinaguide.com/showphoto.asp?t_i=17635

Are you growing some now? Have you searched for it on the internet?

Good luck,
Dean

[Scott]

I don't have any growing and was just curious. Initially I was interested in it for construction, however I've since decided such large culms aren't necessary. I think culms of around 4" would be easier to work with.

[stevelau1911]

I just ordered a 3 gallon plant of dendrocalamus sinicus because of it's potential to get extremely big. I'm planning on keeping it indoors potted and bringing it outside only during the summer.

Once I get enough to separate it, I'm planning on trying it outside in my zone 6 climate trying everything possible. I might have to build a greenhouse with a solar heater to make it work for the winter.

Has anyone grown a tropical clumper well out of it's growing zone before?

[CaroleMeckes]

Hi Steve,
I hate to disappoint you - but growing tropicals way out of their zone - does not usually work very well.

It's kind of like - trying to force a person to grow 8 or 9 feet tall...

Never the less - please keep us posted.... It should still prove to be an interesting project to observe the characteristics of Dendrocalamus sinicus.

If you get some new shoots -please post pictures of the new shoots for all of us to see.

Carole