Doesn't sound like any pest I'm familiar with that affects bamboo. Since your bamboo is not entirely healthy, this could simply be related to the deterioration of leaf health. What kind of bamboo is it, do you think you're over/under-watering it, and can you post a picture of this mysterious condition?

Orange powerery dots on other genera of plants generally indicate some sort of a rust (fungi). I've never seen it on bamboo, but you might want to compare it to the damage seen on the link...

Mike

Here is a link that might be useful: Bamboo Rust

Yes! Thank-you above posters - I think you have solved it Mike - the photos on the link look exactly like what I am talking about. Now - I need to find out what to do about it! It doesn't seem to be hurting the leaf so far as they are still otherwise green and healthy looking. Can't be good though.

As for the type of bamboo - I confess I am ignorant of that as well. I will post some pictures both of the bamboo and the rust on the leaves. Maybe you could help me identify it as the nursery didn't know either.
The good news is I can spot some new leaf growth all over this morning!

Thanks again
Erin

If that plant was imported you better destroy it fast.