Getting my bamboo to grow taller

Hi, I planted a couple of Phyllostachys aurea against a fence a couple of years ago and whilst one has most certainly gained some height (approx 500mm) the others don't seem to have grown any taller; does anyone have any advice on making them grow taller? Would thinning it out help at all? Should I just give it a good dollop of feed to give it a boost and hope for the best..?

Somewhere I have a vague recollection of a conversation I had where the advice was that you need to buy the bamboo as tall as you want it as it doesn't grow taller after, but can't find any advice anywhere that says that... any help would be marvellous :)

Re: Getting my bamboo to grow taller

Reply from twets

Bamboo doesn't grow taller once it has reached its growth height for that year - you have to wait each year for the new shoots and these will grow taller and thicker. What you need to do is cut out the older shoots (which are usually the smallest and the thinnest - and found in the centre of the plant). This will give space for growing for the new culms. Also add fertilizer just before growing season (around April-May). You can add grass fertilizer - it works as well as bamboo fertilizer. A Phyllostachys Aurea should grow up to about 5m ... so definitely you have some hope.

Re: Re: Getting my bamboo to grow taller

Reply from Benjamin Brace

Sorry for not getting back sooner... thanks a million for your advice!