No, no, and no. Propagation of bamboo is done by root division for most species.

Running temperate bamboos are usually not amenable to vegetative propagation using (root less) culm segments.

Many tropical clumping bamboos can be propagated by air-layering or buring culms or culm segments.

Google for "bamboo propagation", lots of info available.

Hi All:

Bamboo makes the greatest privacy fencing of all. We have it planted all around our backyard against wooden privace fence. The Bamboo grows sky high and is so beautiful. The birds and lizards love it.

We plant it by roots of course, but I have seen it sprout sideways just laying on the ground, and rooting into the ground starting new bamboo. Unusual I know. Years ago we had some excess bamboo and laid a pile on the ground and that is what happened believe it or not.

Sincerely,

Cometgirl

Cometgirl, what kind of bamboo do you have? Could you post a picture of it?

Kt

I was just recently given a 3 ft long piece of Oldhami bamboo and I was told to dig a trench and lay it sideways in there,
keep it moist and it should sprout. The person that gave me
this started their's this way....
I don't know what kind of bamboo you have, but I don't see
where it would be different.

Succulent,

Presuming that 92509 (Riverside CA) is your zip, then as Unautre has said, in your area some of the clumping bamboo can be propogated by cuttings. I have only successfully done this with a single node cutting of B. multiplex 'Silverstripe' and it was in the Spring. Others had success with most of the other clumpers and have indicated that the chances of success are greater in the Spring but if you have an opportunity why not try it now.

Mike near Brenham TX