August

Bambusas and Dendrocalamus are in their glory this month - they develop beautiful new canes & leaves in full sun which are easily damaged if moved or divided.  Phyllostachys rhizomes are growing rapidly below ground and storing energy in preparation for their burst of new canes next spring so don't stop watering them.  Bad time to move plants from shade to sun or divide others - the sun is too strong.  Bamboo in 15" diameter or smaller pots in full sun will develop yellow sunburned leaves & canes if not given shade protection.   Bad time to divide or move plants from shade to sun - the sun is too strong.  Dividing plants with new shoots will kill the new shoots.  Digging or dividing Otateas will guarantee their death.  Water Bambusas and Dendrocalamus in the ground daily.  The same plants in pots need constant drip or hand watering 2 or 3 times a day.

Commercial nurseries in Southern California start putting up their plastic roofs on their convertible greenhouses this month.