10 Bamboo substitutes: Plants that look like bamboo

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum)

One of the most famous bamboo-like plants is sugarcane, or Saccharum officinarum. While sugarcane is primarily cultivated as a food source, its slender stalks and bamboo-like appearance make it an interesting plant to incorporate into your garden. It can reach an impressive mature height of 10-20 feet, making a great screen or windbreak.

Sugarcane is happiest growing in tropical and subtropical climates (USDA zones 9-12). It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and regular watering is essential for its growth. However, it’s worth noting that sugarcane can become invasive if you allow the rhizomes to spread. Luckily, it’s an edible plant so you can keep it under control by harvesting canes to juice or make syrup.

Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)

Dracaena sanderiana, or as you might know it, Lucky Bamboo, Ribbon Plant or Ribbon Dracaena, is a popular indoor plant that has become synonymous with good luck and positive energy. Despite its name, Lucky Bamboo is not a real bamboo species. Rather, it is a member of the Dracaena genus. The Lucky Bamboo plant features long, slender stalks and narrow leaves, resembling the appearance of true bamboo.

This plant is highly adaptable and can thrive in low-light conditions, making it suitable for various indoor settings. It requires minimal care and you can grow it in plain water or well-draining soil. While Lucky Bamboo is generally considered non-toxic to humans, that’s not the case for animals so it’s important to ensure you keep it out of the reach of pets.

Tiger Grass (Thysanolaena latifolia)

Another plant with a striking resemblance to bamboo is Thysanolaena latifolia (syn T. maxima). It also goes by the common name of broom grass. This evergreen shrub features lush green leaves and slender stems, which mimic the appearance of bamboo canes. With a mature size of 6-10 feet, it can be a perfect addition to your tropical style garden.

Tiger grass prefers partial shade and moist soil for optimal growth. They are well-suited for USDA zones 9-11, which encompass subtropical and tropical regions. Just like true bamboo, Thysanolaena maxima can spread through underground rhizomes, so it’s important to monitor its growth and prevent it from becoming invasive.

It’s ideal for privacy screens, hedges and living fences, especially on the side of your house that doesn’t get much sunlight.

Baby Panda Grass (Pogonatherum paniceum)

Baby Panda Grass, or the Baby Panda Bamboo, is yet another plant that shares a bamboo-like appearance. It is not a true bamboo as it is in the Panicoideae subfamily of the Poaceae, whereas bamboos are in the Bambusoideae subfamily.

This grass boasts slender stalks and a delicate foliage of lime and green narrow leaves. What it has in beauty, it lacks in height. It typically reaches a mature height of 30-50 cm (12-20 in) making it a versatile addition to containers, rock gardens and borders.

Baby Panda Grass thrives in full sun to partial shade and a well-draining soil. It prefers to grow in USDA zones 9-11, and will withstand light frosts. It also grows happily indoors as an ornamental plant. While it doesn’t possess invasive tendencies, it needs regular care and maintenance to keep it healthy and thriving.

Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)

The Lady Palm or Broadleaf Lady palm is a slow-growing palm species that resembles bamboo. It features sturdy stems with dark green, fan-shaped leaves, adding a tropical vibe to your indoor or outdoor space. The Lady Palm is highly valued for its aesthetic appeal and ability to thrive in a variety of light conditions, making it a versatile choice for both indoor and outdoor gardens.

The Lady Palm prefers indirect sunlight or partial shade, making it suitable for areas with limited direct sunlight. It tolerates a wide range of temperatures and is well-adapted to USDA zones 9-11, which encompass subtropical and tropical regions. When it comes to watering, it’s essential to maintain consistent moisture levels without overwatering. Providing well-draining soil and ensuring proper drainage is crucial for the health and longevity of the plant.

Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)

Chamaedorea seifrizii, or the Bamboo Palm or Reed Palm, is an indoor plant that shares a similar appearance with bamboo. With its slender, cane-like stems and narrow leaves, it can bring a touch of the tropics into your living space. The Bamboo Palm is highly valued for its resilience and ability to thrive in low-light conditions.

This plant prefers indirect light and can tolerate low light, making it an ideal choice for indoor environments. It requires regular watering, ensuring that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Chamaedorea seifritzii is generally non-toxic to pets. This makes it a safe and beautiful addition to your home or office.

Note that any of the Chamaedorea palms, such as the Parlor Palm, are also sometimes referred to as Bamboo palm. Other palm varieties sometimes go by the name of Bamboo Palm are the Dypsis and Rhapia species. The most common examples are Dypsis lutescens and Raphia vinifera. If you see a Bamboo Palm plant and want to buy one, make sure you take note of its botanical name so that you know you are getting the right plant.

Sacred Bamboo (Nandina domestica)

Nandina domestica has two common names: Heavenly Bamboo or Sacred Bamboo. Despite its name, Nandina domestica is not a true bamboo but rather a member of the Berberidaceae family. It is an evergreen shrub that bears a striking resemblance to bamboo. With its slender stems, delicate leaves, and red berries, it adds a touch of elegance and color to any garden or landscape.

This plant is adaptable to different light conditions, ranging from full sun to partial shade. It thrives in USDA zones 6-9, making it suitable for cooler regions. Nandina domestica is generally low-maintenance and tolerates different soil types, but it’s important to provide good drainage for the best results.

Giant Reed (Arundo donax)

Giant Reed or Spanish Cane, is a large perennial grass that resembles bamboo due to its tall, cane-like stems and bamboo-like leaves that can be green or variegated. It can reach impressive heights of 20-30 feet, adding a dramatic element to your garden. However, it’s important to be mindful that it is an invasive species in some areas so take appropriate measures to control its growth.

This plant thrives in full sun and requires moist soil for optimal growth. It is suitable for USDA zones 6-10, covering a wide range of climates. Arundo donax is a potential choice for erosion control along water bodies or as a privacy screen, provided its growth is carefully monitored and managed.

Horsetail (Equisetum)

Horsetail, or Equisetum, is an ancient plant species related to ferns. They are among the few plants left on the planet that reproduce from spores rather than seeds. Horsetail resembles bamboo with its hollow, cane-like stems and bamboo-like joints. Leaves emerge in rosettes from each node giving the stem a similar segmented appearance to bamboo. At maturity it can grow to 1.5 meters (5 feet) tall.

Horsetail is a hardy perennial that withstands cold temperatures and thrives in moist soil, making it an excellent choice for erosion control around waterways. This plant prefers full sun or partial shade and is adaptable across USDA zones 4-9.

Horsetail plants can be toxic to grass-feeding animals, so it’s advisable to plant it in contained areas or use barriers to prevent it from being part of the menu. With its architectural appeal, horsetail is a striking addition to water gardens or as a natural privacy screen.

Japanese Knotweed (Reynoutria japonica)

Japanese knotweed, or Reynoutria japonica, is notorious for its invasive tendencies but possesses a bamboo-like appearance. Its slender stalks, vibrant green leaves, and rapid growth make it an interesting plant to consider for its aesthetic appeal. However, it’s important to exercise caution when introducing this plant to your garden due to its invasive nature.

Japanese Knotweed thrives in a variety of conditions, from full sun to partial shade, and adapts to different soil types. It tolerates very cold temperatures and grows well in USDA zones 4-9. Due to its invasive tendencies, it’s crucial to carefully monitor its growth and take appropriate measures to prevent it from spreading beyond control.

You may also see Japanese Knotweed with a different scientific name. Fallopia japonica and Polygonum cuspidatum are the most common but there are more than ten in use. They all refer to the same plant so don’t get too concerned about getting the name right.