Question
Hi Will!  I just re-potted a large Golden Godess Bamboo and am keeping it indoors with lots of light.  It has shown great happiness there with lots of new growth and almost no browning of leaves, but just yesterday, I started seeing tiny little hair-like growths with pinhead sized sappy drops at the ends coming out of the brances near the nodes.  What is this?  Is it a pest, or just normal activity of a healthy bamboo?  
Thanks for your time!
Stan

Answer
Hi Stan,

I have to tell you that Bambusa does not do well indoors over the long haul. They simply need more light than you can provide in even the sunniest indoor location. I have struggled with indoor bamboo in a well-lit, artificially supplemented atrium with a large overhead skylight. They look pretty good for a year or so and then start to decline, the new growth that comes in is weak and spindly.

Because bamboos are not indoor plants, my experience and expertise is limited. However, if the droplets that you mentioned are found irregularly on the plant and there is stickiness on and under the leaves, then you may have a scale insect infestation. If so, let me know and I will tell you how to treat it. If the droplets are found in the same location on most leaf nodes and not elsewhere, then it may be a natural secretion of the species.

You could try doing a search for Tornello Nurseries, a well-known Bamboo grower. They are experts on Bamboo and I am sure can answer all your questions.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.
   
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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