If the culms are putting out leaves, and the culms are not discolored, it sounds like it just needs some pampering. It may have had some winter damage if there was got cold and in the pot. However, pictures would help to confirm that that is the case. You can go to the top of the messages listing in this forum and click on the "Gallery" button. Once there you can upload images - one per message - and repost in your original message thread that the picutures are in the Gallery. Or you can join a free online storage service, like Photobucket.com, and transfer the photos there and copy the HTML code and paste it into your message for direct viewing.

One other thing about your bamboo: like all vivax species it has thin walls and can be broken if you have snow loading in the winter. I go out and shake mine off once or twice a year in the winter when we get out rare snowfall.

Thanks for the reply.

This is the URL to my photo album with pictures of the Vivax:

http://s149.photobucket.com/albums/s80/henonistharry/

What do you mean by pampering by the way? I'm about to do a round of fertilizing on all my boos (soluble, high in nitrogen) and I'll certainly include the Vivax. Anything else - not too much sun just yet?...???

Also, there's a small hole about 5ft up on the main culm. It doesn't seem to be troubling it. Is this normal? (I would've taken a photo of it but the camera batteries failed.)

Appreciate any feedback,

Thanks.

Here is a link that might be useful: My Vivax

Henonist Harry again.

I've put more photos up here:

http://s149.photobucket.com/albums/s80/henonistharry/

Including a shot of the hole.

Shall I take it back and go for a healthy but smaller one from a reputable dealer or persevere and give it some TLC.

Am I worrying about nothing or have I purchased a pooper?

Cheers.

Here is a link that might be useful: My Vivax

Harry-
That bamboo looks fine to me. It has had a little neglect or winter damage, but the culms look healthy. I've had several that looked worse than that and came back strong. Keep it properly watered, give it a little fertilizer, and it should be fine; I think it can handle full sun if you keep the soil moist. You should get new, healthy leaves in the near future. As for the hole in the culm, that isn't a worry. Something physically damaged the culm as it was coming up and that's where the hole came from; it's not a sign of anything more than that. I think you're safe keeping the plant. Have fun!

OK, thanks. I'll give it a day or so before I put it in the ground.

Bye for now.

Harry the henonist again.

A question about Vivax Aureocaulis and shade. I'm considering putting it in an west facing spot where it will get c. 1 1/2 - 2 1/2 hours of sun in the afternoon/evening (during Spring/Summer). It will not be under any other trees. Is this enough sun for it to do well? If a Vivax doesn't get full sun will it not reach a good height but have lots of foliage, or will it be tall with little foliage etc. I've seen pics of some in full sun where the leaves don't begin until pretty high up.

Thanks.

Harry-
Ph. vivax prefers full sun. My own experience is that sun-loving bamboo tend to be smaller than their potential height when they are shaded. The location you described won't hurt it, but you might not get as vigorous growth as you could. I'd say you should try that location and, if it doesn't size up substantially within two years, put it in a sunnier spot if possible.

Thanks for the helpful advice.

H.H.

HH: If you find your self in Dublin, go check out Scalp Wood nursery in Kilternan. They are bringing in truck loads of bamboo from Italy. I would guess they have the largest number/selection/specimen of plants in Ireland. From 3 to 300 ltr pots. They seem to be priced at about 1 euro per litre? Maybe your supplier can look into where they source them in Italy. The plants i bought from them have done quite well, except for a vivax that the wind wrecked.

R,

R. -

Thanks for the info. Just had a look at Scalp Wood Nurseries' web site. I don't think I'll be finding myself in Dublin any time soon, unfortunately.

Aside from that, the Vivax is really beginning to put out its new leaves, thankfully. I keep talking to it - that's supposed to work. They did an experiment where they had two plants growing. Next to the first they played some nasty heavy music and next to the second they played some gentle classical. The the first one evidently had tried to grow away from the speakers and I think ended up dying. But the second grew towards the music and flourished! Speaking lovingly and gently is supposed to have a similar effect.