My question is more than theoretical:

About a month ago, I transplanted a B. multiplex ‘Alphonse Karr’ from the yard of someone who didn’t want it anymore. To get it all to fit, I had to cut off probably 1/5 of the culms (I tried to pick deader looking ones) and about 80% of the foliage. The roots and rhizomes, however, remained intact.

Oh, and I also had to divide the original mass into 3 parts to make it even possible to carry. It was too heavy otherwise.

Just today I noticed some new culm shoots (survivor shoots?), so now that I know it’s not dead:

1. Should I leave the leafless culms alone?
2. Will the currently leafless culms sprout new leaves?
3. Or should I clearcut it to the ground?

It seems #3 would be bad if food energy is stored in the culms.
and Great site:)
really helped with my assignment! at the last Culms, especially those of clumping bamboos are used for food storage, as well as the transport of water and nutrients up to the foliage leaves, and food back down down to the the roots and rhizome for new growth. So, in answer to your questions:

1. Yes, leave the leafless culms alone. If they are dead, you will know after a month or so (provided temperatures are warm enough for growth to occur).
2. The leafless culms with sprout new leaves in a few weeks, if they are indeed alive. With a magnifying glass you will be able to see the buds swelling before the leaves emerge
3. Don’t clear cut unless you are absolutely sure the culms are all dead. A more likely scenario is that some are alive and some are dead. Cut back the dead ones to the ground.

Good luck with your divisions, and thanks for the comment!

1. Yes, leave the leafless culms alone. If they are dead, you will know after a month or so (provided temperatures are warm enough for growth to occur).
2. The leafless culms with sprout new leaves in a few weeks, if they are indeed alive. With a magnifying glass you will be able to see the buds swelling before the leaves emerge
3. Don’t clear cut unless you are absolutely sure the culms are all dead. A more likely scenario is that some are alive and some are dead. Cut back the dead ones to the ground.

Good luck with your divisions, and thanks for the comment!

My question is more than theoretical:

About a month ago, I transplanted a B. multiplex ‘Alphonse Karr’ from the yard of someone who didn’t want it anymore. To get it all to fit, I had to cut off probably 1/5 of the culms (I tried to pick deader looking ones) and about 80% of the foliage. The roots and rhizomes, however, remained intact.

Oh, and I also had to divide the original mass into 3 parts to make it even possible to carry. It was too heavy otherwise.

Just today I noticed some new culm shoots (survivor shoots?), so now that I know it’s not dead:

1. Should I leave the leafless culms alone?
2. Will the currently leafless culms sprout new leaves?
3. Or should I clearcut it to the ground?

It seems #3 would be bad if food energy is stored in the culms.

Thanks