Bamboo plants have been a part of Asian culture for over 4,000 years, serving as a symbol of good fortune, according to Kierraco.com. Thousands of varieties of bamboo plants grow in Asia, the United States and other parts of the world. Some types of bamboo can grow over 100 feet high, and certain types of bamboo plants can be grown indoors or outdoors. Caring for bamboo plants may require regular trimming and watering.

Mountain Bamboo

Mountain bamboo are various species in the higher elevations of the Himalayan regions of India, as well as in Central America and the Andes, according to BambooDirect.com. This type of bamboo can be grown in Western and Midwestern regions of the United States, but typically cannot tolerate hot and humid summers, or desert climates. Use mountain bamboo in wall plantings, as a houseplant, or for creating outdoor screens.

Dwarf Bamboo

Dwarf bamboo is commonly used as an accent plant or for covering large parts of a garden, reports Bamboo-Inspiration.com. There are several species of dwarf bamboo. Since some species are a running bamboo that spreads aggressively, they can be as ground cover. Running bamboo can also be used for hedging a garden. Other species of dwarf bamboo can be used to cover large areas of soil, and for ornamental purposes.

Timber Bamboo

Timber bamboo can be grown in a small space and typically reaches a height of 40 to 100 feet at maturity, according to Bamboos.com. Timber bamboo is strong and resilient enough to be used in building furniture and wall decor. Timber bamboo can produce shoots in a variety of colors including yellow, light green and dark green.

Koi Bamboo

Koi bamboo plants can grow to a height of 27 feet and can be grown indoors. BambooHQ.com reports that the Koi bamboo plant is a running bamboo plant, which means it can spread over a large area unless it is tamed with a barrier. Koi bamboo culms turn from green to yellow after six months, but most of the plant remains green.

Shimofuri Bamboo

Shimofuri bamboo plants typically grow to height of 8 feet and are a clone of bamboo grown in the northern areas of the Kurile Islands of Japan, according to BambooGarden.com. The leaves of the Shimofuri bamboo plant are typically about 10 inches long and the plant produces colorful shoots tinted with yellow and red markings.