Hi All I planted 25 small black bamboo in late Feb 2011, and one "best" has a massive shoot suddenly thrusting upwards, and the one to the left of it "worst" appears to be extremely unwell. Conditions for both are almost identical, very similar exposure to sun/wind. I was watering daily, which may be too much. Pics attached. Any comments much appreciated. Nigel GB
Hard to say from here: daily watering is probably excessive, unless the site was extremely hot/dry...Symptoms of the plant to the left might be overwatering, but given their proximity it's likely overwatering the bed would affect both. Perhaps not, though. Bottom line: give them a good mulch of wood chips (ideally...other mulch OK in a pinch), and only water when the soil's dry or the plant shows signs of drought stress (primarily leaves curling from margins toward center). Hopefully, the thrashed looking one will push out new leaves and recover, failing that the healthy one will run throughout the bed and replace it in a season or two...
Dear Woodschmoe, thank you so much for your reply. Most of the plants are between these two. Will post when have news - hopefully good. Nigel GB
