This vigorous bamboo has strong upright canes (culms) that form a spreading clump. In warm regions the internodes swell, particularly under poor growing conditions. It has dark green lance-shaped leaves and it is an excellent container plant.

Hardiness zones 9 to 12

Bambusa ventricosa is naturally found from southern China, to Vietnam and Taiwan growing in well drained moderately fertile moist sandy to light clay soils. It prefers a open sunny to semi shade position and is drought tolerant but frost tender. 

The Buddha Belly Bamboo is variable and is grown for its attractive culms. It is planted along boundaries for screening or used as a specimen clump in large gardens. It is also grown in containers or used as a bonsai subject and is suitable for coastal and low-mountain regions. If planted in dappled light it will become more contorted and in poorer soils the internodes space swells to form a Buddha’s belly. It requires little maintenance and has a moderate growth rate. ID 411

Note:
When grown in containers it reaches 3m (10ft) tall and the swollen internodes take 3 to 4 years and don't appear in cool climates.

Bambusa (bam-BOO-suh) ventricosa (ven-tri-KOS-a)

Poaceae (poh_AY-see-ee)
Grass Family