First, the term rhizome and root are interchangeable when discussing bamboo. That picture you referenced is not necessarily representative of the appearance of the rhizome structure of many bamboo. In addition, you don't mention the species or if your bamboo is a running bamboo or a clumping bamboo, so it makes it hard to give you a good answer.

In general, when a bamboo division is made, it is important to get a good size rootball with it, and to disturb the soil around the rhizomes as little as possible. Further, a responsible bamboo seller will usually stabilize a divided bamboo in a pot for at least several months before selling it to make sure it survives the division process.

A properly divided bamboo should not start yellowing immediately. Unfortunately it sounds like you bought bamboo from someone who didn't really know what they were doing. I wish you luck, but I am not sure your plant will survive.

Hi Kudzu9,

Thanks for the reply. I think this is a clamping type.

Can I add grass fertilizer now? I'm always confused on when to apply fertilizer.

Thanks,
April

So, has it recovered somewhat?

Regular fertilizer is typically done in the spring and early summer because that's when most bamboo benefit from the nutrients as they put out new foliage. You don't want to apply regular fertilizer in the fall or winter because bamboo go somewhat dormant and want to rest. You can, however, give it some fertilizer now that contains no nitrogen, like 0-10-10, which will help strengthen the rhizome system.

I'm also curious to know why you think it is a clumping variety. Can you post a picture?