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Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve tried to answer as many questions as possible but if you have any other queries please feel free to get in touch.

Do you sell live bamboo plants?

We do not sell live bamboo. We encourage you to purchase plants locally, and so we have created a directory of bamboo nurseries around the country.

What are the best species of bamboo to grow in my garden?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. We have created a series of articles help you select the best varieties of bamboo, including a very popular article on cold hardy bamboos for snowy climates.

Is it a bad idea to plant bamboo?

Bamboo has earned a pretty bad reputation in some gardening circles. In fact, some species of running bamboo can be extremely invasive. But there are also a wide variety clumping bamboos which are much easier to control and maintain.

I'm interested in farming bamboo. Can you help?

Yes, we are partnering with companies to help make bamboo farming a reality in the United States.

How do I care for bamboo clothing?

Bamboo clothing is luxuriously soft and comfortable, but it is relatively easy to care for. Our general recommendation is to wash cold and dry low or hang dry. See our in-depth article on how to wash and care for bamboo clothing.

Why is the bamboo fiber called viscose from bamboo?

Viscose refers to the process of turning the bamboo pulp into fiber by dissolving it in solvent and spinning the solution. The processing plant that makes the fiber uses a closed loop system. That means up to 98% of the water and chemicals are captured and reused. The result is a fiber with a very soft feel and a lovely drape.

What on Earth is a Batu?

Bambu Batu is the Indonesian name for a specific variety of bamboo. Batu is actually Malay (Indonesian) for “rock”, as in rock bamboo, more commonly translated as iron bamboo. Yes, that’s Bambu Batu: the Iron Bamboo — also known as Dendrocalamus Strictus.
Growing to heights of 60 feet or more, with canes up to 5″ in diameter, Bambu Batu is a giant clumper. This unusual black timber bamboo is native to southeast Asia and the Indonesian archipelago. It is considered the supreme variety for furniture and construction.