Bamboo Spirit

Bamboo Plants

Our supplier receives a yearly phytosanitary certificate, verifying that all agricultural products (bamboo plants and plugs), have undergone inspection and are free from pests and diseases. This certification is required for importing and exporting bamboo plants and plugs.

In the more than 25 years that this supplier has been supplying Africa, none of their products has been rejected by customs. Additionally, their products are subject to yearly inspections by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform & Rural Development.

There are two main types of bamboo available: clumpers and runners.

Clumping bamboos have a very short root structure and are genetically incapable of expanding more than a few centimeters per year. They typically form discrete circular clumps, growing shoots on the outside. These clumps slowly enlarge as new culms emerge each year, potentially reaching sizes ranging from 15cm to approximately 3m.

Running bamboos, on the other hand, spread through the growth of long, horizontal roots called rhizomes. With the right knowledge and materials, running bamboos can be effectively contained in smaller areas, providing a less expensive and more holistic approach for large-scale plantations.

For open land or rehabilitation of mine land, using bamboo can be a cost-effective solution to combat erosion, restore soil balance, provide food for animals and humans, foster microbes and fungi, yield compost through falling leaves, stabilize the water table, create jobs, and achieve a carbon-negative impact – essentially serving as an all-in-one solution.

However, it’s important to note that if left unmanaged, running bamboos can overtake indigenous habitats and harm them. Therefore, careful planning and foresight are crucial when deciding where to plant runners.

Plugs

A minimum order of 540 plugs is required, which corresponds to one box and covers approximately one hectare of bamboo plants.

Plugs are produced through tissue culturing rather than seeds. This method ensures that all plants share the same genetic characteristics, resulting in uniformity. The plugs are approximately 30cm tall and should be transplanted into 2.5-liter bags, preferably filled with river sand and supplemented with Bio ganic (a pure natural organic fertilizer based on mature chicken manure) in the soil mixture. Each plant requires at least 150-200ml of water every 2-3 days to maintain moisture. The roots may take up to 10 months to strengthen before they can be replanted into larger bags or in plantations.

Pros: Using plugs helps the plants adapt to the local climate more easily, reduces transportation costs, and allows you to be involved in nurturing the bamboo in your own nursery. It is particularly suitable for commercial farming.

Cons: Plugs must be transplanted into 2.5-liter bags filled with a sand mixture enriched with Bio ganic or a similar fertilizer and remain in these planting bags for up to 10 months before they can be relocated. Large quantities of plugs may require a lead time of 3 to 6 months for preparation.

Note: Plugs are only sold in boxes of 540 plants and are not available for separate purchase by nurseries or the general public, except during nationwide promotions promoting other species.