Golden Goddess Bamboo
A Guide to the Benefits and Care of Golden Goddess Bamboo
A resilient and beautiful plant, golden goddess bamboo is the perfect choice for a fast growing hedge. When mature, the plant will be between 6 and 12 feet tall and the canes will spread out slightly in a bowl shape. Smaller than many other of its species, golden goddess bamboo is an ideal plant for many situations.
Bamboo plants are sturdy and have gorgeous show value. Green canes can vary in sizes and are topped by a network or fan of leaves. Bambusa multiplex golden goddess is named for its luxurious golden foliage and delicate spray of leaves. Canes are about 1/4 to ½" thick. It thrives in zones 7 to 10 and like all bamboo, grows well throughout the hot, summer months.
Bamboo grows well with plenty of water and decent soil containing nitrogen. Feed your plants with fertilizer that contains a good amount of nitrogen and steer clear of herbicides. Be sure to soak your newly planted bamboo for about a month straight. It does not tolerate sitting in water, but likes consistent moisture. Drip watering and irrigation will give your bamboo a good start. Watch for curling leaves as this is a sign of dryness. Soak well and the plant should bounce back.
Golden goddess bamboo is considered a semi-dwarf and a clumping bamboo plant. For an ideal hedge, plant a row of golden goddess’ about 4 to 6 feet apart and water well. They will soon form a medium height barrier with a soft spread of foliage and green canes. This bamboo is also good for container plantings. If you need a portable screen or barrier plant more than one and move them around as necessary. Poolside bamboo pots are a must for that oasis look.
Similar to the golden goddess is ladyfinger bamboo. About the same height, ladyfinger bamboo stands taller and straighter and generally has thicker canes. Both of these bamboos will grow quickly in the warm months will numerous new shoots. Keep mulch on them and watch them mature with speed and beauty.
If you don’t have a large lot or take care of a small garden, golden goddess is the bamboo of choice. It requires little maintenance beyond watering and monthly fertilizer. If you notice yellowish leaves, add Ironite to the plant and the problem will soon disappear. Pruning or trimming off dead and dying canes gives room for new sprouts to quickly fill in. Bamboo plants enjoy the occasional application of compost or manure and also take well to grass clippings.
Another plus for bamboo is how it easily adapts to light conditions. Bamboo will thrive in full sun and shade, as long as it is adequately watered and planted in good soil. Some sources site that it will grow best in full sun, but if your conditions give it minimal hours of sunlight, simply keep it moist and well fed and it will thrive. If you have placed your golden goddess bamboo in a container or pot, feel free to move it around and experiment, the light exposure will make little difference.
When harvested, canes from the golden goddess are excellent for crafts and ornamental use. The thinner canes can be clumped together for a screen or fencing and also work well as a wind chime. Unlike other more popular bamboo, the shoots of the golden goddess are not prolific enough to be edible. The amount of shoots you would harvest is not worth the effort. Purchase and grow this plant for its ornamental beauty and good size.
A true beauty, golden goddess bamboo will be an excellent addition to your garden or patio. Plant them as a living hedge or decorate your outdoor living room with pots full of the plants. Enjoy the glow of the golden goddess.