Joe, my 2 year old "had" to help me make dinner so as you can imagine there's not much left but just a little of this will do 'ya.
Pitangadiego Makes a very good point. We ship and recieve several packages a week, and no matter what carrier you use damages are going to occur. Since you brought up the word bamboo, I have to tell you my black bamboo I bought last year has just shot up 6 shoots. These are growing at a rate of 4 inches a day. I know, I know, but, I'm really excited. Pix to follow later (my partner ran over my camera!).
I had an E. ventricosum I started from seed that froze and looked really bad. It's about 2inches shorter than the others that I started at the same time but it's coming back strong. I've had a few bananas arrive that were broken off at soil level. Every one is still growing. I have taken a pup (DC) at 6 inches with absolutley no roots (looked like a piece of celery) and it died completely only to send up another pup about 4 inches away that is doing great.
My point here is
!. Dont post after drinking!
2. Even though it's been said so many times, don't give up on the plant you've got in your hands!