The more that gets harvested, the faster it grows. These leaves, in turn, create and send energy down to the root system to encourage the growth of new shoots. How does this work? Well, rather than directing energy towards regaining its lost height, a cut bamboo stalk will simply unfurl new leaves. No, really! Cutting bamboo actually stimulates growth.

Once bamboo is established (usually after 3 years), the new shoots that emerge each spring will continue to get bigger and bigger. This is where it diverges from most other flora, which put their energy into continued growth of the original stem. After 60 days, the canes stop growing altogether, and energy is directed back to the roots for the development of further canes. These shoots emerge out of the ground to grow taller and wider for around 60 days. How does bamboo grow? As a colony plant, it uses its energy to expand its roots and grow more shoots in the spring.

According to Guinness World Records, some species of bamboo can grow up to 2.91 ft/day - or, 1.5 inches/hr! So if you sit long enough with a bamboo culm, it might just grow before your eyes!

Bamboo in the paper