MM, running bamboo doesn't really clump as such, so it sounds as it it is fairly safe. Gorgeous-looking bamboo!

Thanks so much Pam, yes it does look nice and while we were in Melbourne we went too a few Garden centres and were shocked at the price of black bamboo would you believe $145 for a pot with about four stems in it.

I know is it not a cheap plant but that is certainly way out of my budget so I got a few pieces for fee.
Just hope it grows ok here ......MM.

That looks very like Phyllostachys nigra (a runner).It may have looked like a clumper due to the growing conditions eg cooler temps and lack of water.The best way to check is to feel for a groove further up the culms if there is one its definately a runner.Do the branches come out in a pair from the culm node? - if so its a runner.If you are still not sure email me some more pics.

Hi once again Richard, just my luck the black bamboo have both those.

The Groove

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And a pair of branches
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So that means that this green one is also a runner. Sorry its out of focus.
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So its Pots on a solid surface and watch the drain holes. Is there anything else I need to know, like how often do I water the pots, would I keep the potting mix moist at all times or let it dry out a bit, and do I fertilize every month with lawn food like you told me to do with my clumpers, which have grown very tall the last season 3mts they are now, or should I use one for Pots and which one.

Will those running roots crowd the pots or do they slow down when they are confined, any ideas on how often I would have to pot them up sorry I have never grown them in pots before so I have no idea, so looking forward to more help from you and many Thanks once again.....MM.

Hi Misty,
I would make sure the pots have adequate drainage holes and keep them either on a saucer or concrete slab.For fertiliser i would use a controlled release product such as Osmocote something with 15.4.8 NPK or around should be fine.
As rhizomes(runners) pop out through the bottom of the pot just snip them off.
At this time of year depending on the pot size watering 2 or 3 times a week should be fine-remember bamboo does not like wet feet ,in summer you may need to water every day,watch the plant for folding leaves and it will tell you.
Again as with all plants bamboo will eventually fill the pot with roots and rhizomes and depending on the pot size,eventually will need to be removed and chopped in half ,then repotted.
Dont be disapointed, despite all the hysteria associated with running bamboo it makes a gorgeous pot specimen especially nigra.
Good luck and congrats on expanding your boo family!

Yes Richard it is good to have another couple, I wonder what the green one, is maybe someone will be able to identify it later, I have two pieces and they look very healthy with new shoots starting already. I was disapointed but hey they were freebies so I cant complain.

I will write down your instruction into one of my gardening books and Thanks again......MM.

Thanks for setting that straight, Richard.

Glad to help,regarding the green ones i.d,have a look at the lower internodes near the base of the cane,if they have a compressed look to them it is most likely P.aurea.The compressed look may develop later in the plants life if not currently present on existing canes.

No they dont look like that as yet Richard, as you say maybe later.
I only have two very small pieces of the green one.....MM.