What is wrong with my Black Bamboo please?

You would get 25kg bags of 18:6:12 from any agricultural store that supplies farmers. Use it spareingly, as it is strong.

You would get Pigeon Poo from someone who keeps pigeons in an aviary. Never inhale the dust: use a mask.

 

Be careful not to over fertilise black bamboo @HazelMW, it’s a running bamboo and can become invasive if not properly contained. I use a few handfuls of blood fish and bone on my bamboos in spring, it’s readily available in garden centres and DIY stores.

 

I presume that you have put a root barrier around your plant, Hazel. All Phyllostachys bamboos need a runner barrier (even if they don't run at first).

 

It's in a bottomless bucket and no runners in 10 yrs, although now it's looking sick, one of two new canes would be good!

 

If it's contained within the size of a typical bucket you won't get many new canes as bamboos expand outwards like most grasses. Lack of water and severe root restriction would explain why your bamboo is not faring well.

 

Thanks so much for your advice everyone. I'm ensuring it's now more regularly watered, and next week I'll have talks with my Gardner about exploring the size of the bucket and see what can be done with that, clearing out any dead canes and using a general purpose fertilizer.
I always say - every plant has 2 chances, I'll give it the opportunity to grow and look out for it by my best actions, upon advice like yours, and physical help to do so, and just hope it's enough.

 

Good luck with it @HazelMW. They are tough plants. With a little tlc yours should respond well.