Learn how to build a mini bamboo building with these step by step instructions. Have fun building your mini bamboo model!

Learn how to build a mini bamboo building with these step by step instructions.
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Have fun building your mini bamboo model!

Learn how to build a mini bamboo building with these step by step instructions.









Have fun building your mini bamboo model!

Bamboo Building Model Instructional Booklet

By Deah Lieurance, UF/IFAS CAIP affiliate faculty member Recently, interest has resurfaced in the possibility of growing bamboo in Florida as a biomass crop. Bamboo has been called “green gold” and “the world’s most amazing plant,” with uses ranging from structural materials to industrial products, fencing and even food. However, there are many uncertainties surrounding [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_3271" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3271" style="width: 225px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/caip/files/2022/06/675px-dendrocalamus_asper_serres_de_la_madone_leaf.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-3271 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="Bamboo leaf" width="225" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/caip/files/2022/06/675px-dendrocalamus_asper_serres_de_la_madone_leaf-225x300.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3271" class="wp-caption-text">&#8220;Dendrocalamus asper (Serres de la Madone) leaf&#8221; by Tangopaso &#8211; Self-photographed. Licensed under Public domain via Wikimedia Commons</figcaption></figure>
By Deah Lieurance, UF/IFAS CAIP affiliate faculty member
Recently, interest has resurfaced in the possibility of growing bamboo in Florida as a biomass crop. Bamboo has been called “green gold” and “the world’s most amazing plant,” with uses ranging from structural materials to industrial products, fencing and even food. However, there are many uncertainties surrounding growing bamboo for commercial purposes. These uncertainties include risk of the bamboo becoming yet another invasive species, challenges in production and availability of consumer markets.
Invasion risk
There are two major types of bamboo: clump forming and running. Generally, running bamboos thrive in temperate climates and are a high risk for invasion; the less risky – but not risk-free – clumping bamboos prefer tropical or subtropical conditions. Still, both require management to keep them contained.
As an Extension scientist and coordinator of the <a href="https://assessment.ifas.ufl.edu/">UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas</a>, I must caution farmers interested in growing bamboo that many bamboo species pose an invasion risk for the state.
The UF/IFAS Assessment provides conclusions about many species of bamboo. The two prominent species in production in the Southeast are the clump forming <a href="https://assessment.ifas.ufl.edu/assessments/dendrocalamus-asper/">Dendrocalamus asper</a> (often called Asper or Tropical Asper) and the running <a href="https://assessment.ifas.ufl.edu/assessments/phyllostachys-edulis/">Phyllostachys edulis</a> (Giant Moso Bamboo, Moso, or Edulis bamboo). Dendrocalamus asper is labeled as a moderate risk to Florida, meaning strict management is required to prevent escape, and all Phyllostachys species are a high risk for invasion, including Moso. In fact, Phyllostachys aurea (Golden bamboo) is currently invading the Southeast from Texas to Florida, up to Kentucky and Virginia!
<figure id="attachment_3269" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-3269" style="width: 225px" class="wp-caption alignleft"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/caip/files/2022/06/bamboo_forest.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-3269 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="Bamboo forest" width="225" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/caip/files/2022/06/bamboo_forest-225x300.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-3269" class="wp-caption-text">&#8220;Bamboo forest&#8221;. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons</figcaption></figure>
Permitting
Additionally, farmers should be informed that in Florida, any biomass planting of 2 acres or more requires a permit from the <a href="https://www.fdacs.gov/Divisions-Offices/Plant-Industry">Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Plant Industry</a> (FDACS DPI). A UF/IFAS Extension document I co-authored, “<a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/AG454">Navigating the Non-Native Planting Rule: Permit Requirements for Large-Scale Plantings of Non-Native Species in Florida</a>,” explains the process in detail.
Production challenges
Another concern that should be mentioned is challenges in production itself. Growing on a commercial scale involves site preparation, fertilization and harvesting in dense bamboo stands, and stands must be strictly managed to prevent spread outside cultivation. Climatic tolerances differ in the types of bamboo, so you must be certain you are growing the right bamboo for your area. The challenges don’t end at harvest, either, as viable markets to sell bamboo products may not readily exist.
For more on growing bamboo in the Southeast,  check out this regional extension document, “<a href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__newcropsorganics.ces.ncsu.edu_wp-2Dcontent_uploads_2019_03_2019-2DFH-5FBamboo-5F03.27.19-2Ddc.pdf-3Ffwd-3Dno&amp;d=DwMFAg&amp;c=sJ6xIWYx-zLMB3EPkvcnVg&amp;r=K3CIIhZk5XtdOTewQsdOXyFPdgN9Z_lbrz45U9aLYcaaEsQni1zhXyV7VGiBphTZ&amp;m=ACAsP4vBpChBuZ7Vy9J083pxTh01Qk_gNdfgOYGwy51oOBcCaDzmEfMZL6SUPfwe&amp;s=gZqUTdQ3K5qHHXyjQo8n4o0ye1YV3_YhjeB2DCp9xHM&amp;e=">Growing Bamboo for Commercial Purposes in the Southeastern US: FAQs</a>,” co-authored by experts from Clemson University, Auburn University, the University of Georgia and UF/IFAS. This document provides broad guidance on the prospect of planting bamboo for biomass, carbon sequestration, and/or food.
In short, before deciding to grow bamboo, farmers should be aware of the risks and work with their local Extension agent to see if the crop is right for them. In Florida, please reach out to your <a href="https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/">local UF/IFAS Extension agent</a> with any questions regarding bamboo.
<hr />
This blog post was written by Dr. Deah Lieurance, UF/IFAS CAIP affiliate faculty member. Questions or comments can be sent to the UF/IFAS CAIP communications manager at <a href="mailto:caip@ifas.ufl.edu">caip@ifas.ufl.edu</a>. Follow UF/IFAS CAIP on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ufifascaip/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/UFIFASCAIP">Facebook</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/UFIFASCAIP">Twitter</a>. <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/caip/subscribe/">Subscribe</a> for more blogs like this one.
<a href="http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/">UF/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants.</a> Turning Science Into Solutions.
Did you find this post helpful? Click the heart below!

“Dendrocalamus asper (Serres de la Madone) leaf” by Tangopaso – Self-photographed. Licensed under Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
By Deah Lieurance, UF/IFAS CAIP affiliate faculty member
Recently, interest has resurfaced in the possibility of growing bamboo in Florida as a biomass crop. Bamboo has been called “green gold” and “the world’s most amazing plant,” with uses ranging from structural materials to industrial products, fencing and even food. However, there are many uncertainties surrounding growing bamboo for commercial purposes. These uncertainties include risk of the bamboo becoming yet another invasive species, challenges in production and availability of consumer markets.
Invasion risk
There are two major types of bamboo: clump forming and running. Generally, running bamboos thrive in temperate climates and are a high risk for invasion; the less risky – but not risk-free – clumping bamboos prefer tropical or subtropical conditions. Still, both require management to keep them contained.
As an Extension scientist and coordinator of the UF/IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas, I must caution farmers interested in growing bamboo that many bamboo species pose an invasion risk for the state.
The UF/IFAS Assessment provides conclusions about many species of bamboo. The two prominent species in production in the Southeast are the clump forming Dendrocalamus asper (often called Asper or Tropical Asper) and the running Phyllostachys edulis (Giant Moso Bamboo, Moso, or Edulis bamboo). Dendrocalamus asper is labeled as a moderate risk to Florida, meaning strict management is required to prevent escape, and all Phyllostachys species are a high risk for invasion, including Moso. In fact, Phyllostachys aurea (Golden bamboo) is currently invading the Southeast from Texas to Florida, up to Kentucky and Virginia!
“Bamboo forest”. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Permitting
Additionally, farmers should be informed that in Florida, any biomass planting of 2 acres or more requires a permit from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Plant Industry (FDACS DPI). A UF/IFAS Extension document I co-authored, “Navigating the Non-Native Planting Rule: Permit Requirements for Large-Scale Plantings of Non-Native Species in Florida,” explains the process in detail.
Production challenges
Another concern that should be mentioned is challenges in production itself. Growing on a commercial scale involves site preparation, fertilization and harvesting in dense bamboo stands, and stands must be strictly managed to prevent spread outside cultivation. Climatic tolerances differ in the types of bamboo, so you must be certain you are growing the right bamboo for your area. The challenges don’t end at harvest, either, as viable markets to sell bamboo products may not readily exist.
For more on growing bamboo in the Southeast,  check out this regional extension document, “Growing Bamboo for Commercial Purposes in the Southeastern US: FAQs,” co-authored by experts from Clemson University, Auburn University, the University of Georgia and UF/IFAS. This document provides broad guidance on the prospect of planting bamboo for biomass, carbon sequestration, and/or food.
In short, before deciding to grow bamboo, farmers should be aware of the risks and work with their local Extension agent to see if the crop is right for them. In Florida, please reach out to your local UF/IFAS Extension agent with any questions regarding bamboo.
This blog post was written by Dr. Deah Lieurance, UF/IFAS CAIP affiliate faculty member. Questions or comments can be sent to the UF/IFAS CAIP communications manager at caip@ifas.ufl.edu. Follow UF/IFAS CAIP on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Subscribe for more blogs like this one.
UF/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants. Turning Science Into Solutions.
Did you find this post helpful? Click the heart below!

By Deah Lieurance, UF/IFAS CAIP affiliate faculty member Recently, interest has resurfaced in the possibility of growing bamboo in Florida as a biomass crop. Bamboo has been called “green gold” and “the world’s most amazing plant,” with uses ranging from structural materials to industrial products, fencing and even food. However, there are many uncertainties surrounding […]

Considering bamboo? Know the risks before you plant

A: You will only be able to manage those reeds popping up on your property unless you have your neighbor’s permission. If you are having a problem then your neighbor might be frustrated too. Working together would be ideal. It may be hard to believe but bamboo is really just a giant type of perennial [&#8230;]

A: You will only be able to manage those reeds popping up on your property unless you have your neighbor’s permission. If you are having a problem then your neighbor might be frustrated too. Working together would be ideal. It may be hard to believe but bamboo is really just a giant type of perennial grass. Most people use it as a hedge for privacy or keep it in large planters to enhance a patio.
There are numerous varieties of bamboo ranging in heights from 1 to 70 feet tall. The United States has only one native species, called cane or canebrake bamboo. This native bamboo generally behaves itself and does not become a nuisance in our wildlife areas or our neighbor’s yards. However, there are dozens of imported bamboos which are highly invasive and exceedingly difficult to control. These invasive varieties have large underground rhizomes used to store food for the plant. Non-native bamboo is extremely difficult to control as it requires killing all the rhizomes. Bamboo plants typically build extensive rhizome networks underground. This makes management of bamboo intensive and difficult because all it takes is one rhizome cluster and the bamboo will return.
You can try mowing the canes a couple of times a week, similar to lawn grass, and this will reduce the amount of chlorophyll available to produce food. Regarding any chemical applications we would recommend using glyphosate in the form of a 5% solution or 6 ounces per gallon. The University of Florida recommends using glyphosate with a 41% concentration of the active ingredient. While some studies have shown the active ingredient imazapyr is more effective on bamboo than glyphosate, this product can leach into the soil and damage surrounding plants such as trees, shrubs and other perennials. Therefore we would not recommend applying this product to the bamboo on your property. Unfortunately, it will most likely take between three and four applications of glyphosate to control this pest. This is an important message for us when adding plants from other countries to our landscapes. If you do not want to use chemicals you can put a barrier between the bamboo and your property. Dig a trench approximately 36 inches deep. Use rolls of fiberglass or 60 mil polypropylene in the trench. Leave about 2 inches of the barrier above the soil to discourage rhizomes from growing over the top of the barriers. It sounds extreme but it does work.

A: You will only be able to manage those reeds popping up on your property unless you have your neighbor’s permission. If you are having a problem then your neighbor might be frustrated too. Working together would be ideal. It may be hard to believe but bamboo is really just a giant type of perennial grass. Most people use it as a hedge for privacy or keep it in large planters to enhance a patio.
There are numerous varieties of bamboo ranging in heights from 1 to 70 feet tall. The United States has only one native species, called cane or canebrake bamboo. This native bamboo generally behaves itself and does not become a nuisance in our wildlife areas or our neighbor’s yards. However, there are dozens of imported bamboos which are highly invasive and exceedingly difficult to control. These invasive varieties have large underground rhizomes used to store food for the plant. Non-native bamboo is extremely difficult to control as it requires killing all the rhizomes. Bamboo plants typically build extensive rhizome networks underground. This makes management of bamboo intensive and difficult because all it takes is one rhizome cluster and the bamboo will return.
You can try mowing the canes a couple of times a week, similar to lawn grass, and this will reduce the amount of chlorophyll available to produce food. Regarding any chemical applications we would recommend using glyphosate in the form of a 5% solution or 6 ounces per gallon. The University of Florida recommends using glyphosate with a 41% concentration of the active ingredient. While some studies have shown the active ingredient imazapyr is more effective on bamboo than glyphosate, this product can leach into the soil and damage surrounding plants such as trees, shrubs and other perennials. Therefore we would not recommend applying this product to the bamboo on your property. Unfortunately, it will most likely take between three and four applications of glyphosate to control this pest. This is an important message for us when adding plants from other countries to our landscapes. If you do not want to use chemicals you can put a barrier between the bamboo and your property. Dig a trench approximately 36 inches deep. Use rolls of fiberglass or 60 mil polypropylene in the trench. Leave about 2 inches of the barrier above the soil to discourage rhizomes from growing over the top of the barriers. It sounds extreme but it does work.

A: You will only be able to manage those reeds popping up on your property unless you have your neighbor’s permission. If you are having a problem then your neighbor might be frustrated too. Working together would be ideal. It may be hard to believe but bamboo is really just a giant type of perennial […]

Q:   My neighbor’s bamboo is becoming a problem for my property.  What can I do to keep it under control?

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