Textilis Weavers Bamboo
bamboo textilis (Weaver's bamboo) question?
What would cause the top of a 5-6 foot tall stalk (not yet grown leaves) to bend at the knuckle one day and then a couple days later fall off?
Any suggestions to ensure strong and fast growth? Plant is in sun, planted in somewhat clayish (I assume since it looks muddy) soil. Plant is about 7-8 feet tall with several tall stalks and two tiny ones that don't seem to have grown at all since I obtained the plant 6 to 8 weeks ago ago.
Thanks.
Bamboos need good drainage. I think the fact that your plant is in muddy water can be causing the plant to bend and fall off. Try transplanting it to a 'sandy' spot if possible. I attached simple care instructions for bamboos from http://www.tropicalbamboo.com. Hope this helps.
There are four conditions that optimize the growth of tropical bamboos: Sunlight, regular irrigation, good drainage, and at least occasional fertilization. If any of these conditions is lacking, the growth rate will be affected in direct proportion to the deficiency. You can certainly have a beautiful bamboo, but again, the growth rate will not be maximized.
SUNLIGHT
Most tropical bamboos grow quicker and do their best in full sun. As long as at least four hours of sun reaches the leaves, your tropical bamboo will be happy. If grown in broken light or partial sun, the number of shoots per year will not be as high as if it were in full sun. Some tropical bamboo species will stretch - elongating its internodes - if grown under the canopy of another tree in an effort to reach the sun. These bamboos have culms that have been measured much longer than their standard ABS listing.
WATERING
When you first plant your bamboo you will need to make sure that it has enough water every day for at least a month or so. This means you may have to hose soak it if you irrigation system only hits the area every other day or less often. Even if your irrigation system covers the area daily, watch the leaves of your new bamboo. If they start to curl, the bamboo needs more water. This is easily the number one problem reported by new growers. I certainly don’t want you to keep your bamboo in standing water but please make sure it gets off to a good start with a bit of early watering diligence.
DRAINAGE
The most important part of your bamboo plant is under ground. The rhizome and root system will not survive if planted in muck or boggy conditions. Good drainage is important. If necessary, build up a small berm and plant in this area so that excess water can drain into lower areas.
FERTILIZING and MULCH
Tropical Bamboo Nursery now is offering our own Bamboo Fertilizer in 2 lb. jars. This is a timed-release mix that we use in containers as well as for field specimens. New bamboos can be fertilized with a balanced lawn or, especially, palm fertilizer. After the first year, higher nitrogen formulas can be used. Iron supplements are beneficial. If your soil is somewhat alkaline (as in South Florida), there are many sulphur/iron mixes (granular or liquid) that work well and show favorable results quickly. Don’t use a weed-n-feed lawn fertilizer.
Compost and mulch are the easiest way to maintain healthy soil and bamboos. If your mulch is fresh and uncomposted, fertilize before mulching. The microorganisms that break down the mulch will rob the nitrogen from the soil so you’ll have to feed them as well as the bamboo.
PRUNING
After the second year you can remove some of the original growth. Do not take more than 1/3 of the culms. Cut out only the old culms (usually the smallest in the clump). Cut them near the base, just above a node. If a culm is tan, it’s dead and should be removed. I use a small handsaw or sometimes a reciprocating saw. You can thin the clump each year. Avoid removing the newest culms unless they are growing awkwardly or into an unwelcome area. You can also remove branches to reveal the canes or to create a more open effect. I do this with all of my low-branching species as a personal preference.
If you’re planting several bamboos to create a screen, hedge, or windbreak, the spacing will vary depending on the species, density required, and the speed required for establishment. Tropical bamboos can be planted as close as 3 feet on center but 5 feet on centers is the average spacing
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