Hydroponic Bamboo

[Bamboodist]

Does anyone have any experience growing bamboo in a hydroponic system?
Any tips?

[Mark Meckes]

Hi Bamboodist,
There's a generalized saying that bamboo doesn't mind dipping it's toes in water, but doesn't like to be `ankle deep' in water.
In other words, the lateral roots growing off of the rhizomes can grow into compacted or waterlogged soil, but the rhizomes and attached culm juncture prefers life above the waterline.
Essentially they prefer adequate drainage.
This is a generalized statement as there are some bamboos which are better able to survive in waterlogged conditions and extended periods of flooding. They contain more air canals in their rhizomes.

The term hydroponic is also a generalized term for growing without soil, as one could say that growing bamboo in standard potting mixes containing bark, peat, perlite, vermiculite etc is a form of hydroponic gardening. The other extreme would be to grow solely in aereated water solution or a using a root misting system.
So some form of hydroponic method is definately possible, providing adequate oxygen is provided to the root system.

Also needing consideration .... seasonal changes in growth rates , dormancy periods, as per temperate species ....

Mark

[TexasGrower]

I've done it with rockwool. I used some Flora Shield to keep the fungus off.