I have two potted bamboo- Weeping willow and Golden goddess which were purchased on line in March. They have grown really well and are about 10 feet tall with multiple shoots. The room they are in is about 30feet high so height is wanted. They are in front of east facing windows, get plenty of natural light, early morning sun, and have a humidifier next to each of them. Since using the heating the leaves are pale green and browning and dropping. They are watered at regular intervals so the root ball does not dry out, but I suspect the temperature fluctuation in the house is not helping. 65+ during the day, under 60 at night. I have fed them throughout the growing season, and they are still producing new leaves. Do you think they would benefit from being repotted now, rather than wait for Spring which I was going to do, as they do seem to be potbound, or is it the temp/light, or just the time of year?? Any help would be appreciated as I do not want to lose them Thank you
Hey Syd, Most bamboo need a rest period (dormancy) when winter comes along to give it a chilling effect, otherwise they suffer the burnt out syndrome come spring. I guess the temperature is too high for it at this time of the year and excessive water loss could be the factor for browning. Also due to the low light intensity in winter, photosynthesis is sharply reduced and the leaves drop off to conserve food reserves. The best move is to get it back outdoor by gradual moves: first to the unheated garrage for 4-6 weeks and then outside next to the housewall facing south, if possible. Good luck then.
Thanks for the reply. I will monitor the watering more closely, but the plants live indoors all year around, and they were great all thru spring, summer and autumn, this is why I am assuming maybe pot bound, and/or temps/humidity problems. Any more help is welcomed.
My Golden Goddess relative (a type of Bambusa multiplex), grown in bright light, appears to go dormant at temperatures around 10C/50F. Under these conditions many of the leaves turn yellow and eventually drop. However the foliage is replaced with warmer temperatures. When grown in similar conditions but with temperatures around 21C/70F, growth is continuous with minimal leaf shed which I assume is the norm. Periods of low humidity (around 35%) does not seem to affect this bamboo. I find them to be pretty tough plants. Keeping them root bound is the way to control their size. However, since height is desired in your case, I suggest a larger pot that would allow additional root growth and the application of fertilizer. The one I have responded with much taller and wider culms with the application of 20-20-20.
Likely it is too hot and dry since the windows were closed and the heating came on. Also check for mites, these are apt to attack thin-leaved, wet climate plants like bamboos. Those that are common on house plants seem to love low humidity environments. The humidifiers may not be adequate to the task.
