Any idea what's killing my bamboo?

Xander10

Two plants growing side by side for years. Same soil, watering etc. One isn't looking too good all of a sudden? Is it dead?

They can be quiet invasive, so don't mind if I have to cut back or lose one.

IMG_20230903_174633.jpg

IMG_20230903_174625.jpg

The Continental Op

Easy answer it flowers (which yours has) and then dies. Happens every 40-80 years in the wild and is a major event.

Once a bamboo species has reached its life expectancy, had flowered and produced seeds, the plant dies, wiping out entire swaths of forests over a several year period. One theory is that seed production requires an enormous amount of energy which stresses the bamboo plant to such an extent that they actually die. Another theory suggests that the mother plant dies to make room for the bamboo seedlings.

https://www.amusingplanet.com/2015/09/the-mysterious-phenomenon-of-bamboo.html

Xander10

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121064595#Comment_121064595

Thanks for that. It was beginning to take over a bit and happy to cut that one back

yellowlabrador

I've seen a few like that round here in West cork. Maybe they are all from the same batch

The Continental Op

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121064895#Comment_121064895

A mate in the UK had the bottom of his garden about an acre that was over grown with bamboo go like that. Provided bamboo canes for everyone for years.

dashoonage

man i was really hoping it was a panda.