Good plant, mediocre results — what went wrong with my Buddha Belly Bamboo

Buddha Belly Bamboo is clearly a great plant — I can see that from other people's results. Mine has been decent but not spectacular, and I think I know why.

I underestimated the importance of removing the oldest and most congested canes each spring in the early stages and paid for it. yellowing leaves from drought or nitrogen deficiency also knocked the plant back at a critical point. It lives in a poolside or water feature surrounding planting which is probably not quite right but it's the best I can do in my space. beautiful sound of canes moving in wind is visible but muted. best container division and replanting in spring gave me hope — there are glimpses of what it could be. Three stars for now with potential for four.