Ask the Expert: Bamboo plant
I bought a very small bamboo plant that needed some care. It seems to be coming back with some new growth. It's in about a three inch square container. When do they need to be transplanted, can you use any type of container, does it take special rocks to put it in, how often does the water need to be replaced?  Michelle

Reply:

I assume you are asking about a lucky bamboo plant and not real bamboo, since it is growing in water.  The nice thing about lucky bamboo is that it is fairly easy to care for and does not require a lot of space to grow.  This includes the amount of space inside the container its self.  In fact lucky bamboo is happiest when crowded which is why it can remain for years in the same container.   Lucky bamboo grows very slowly so unless the lucky bamboo is busting out of it container leave it alone.  If the only the roots are the problem, you can trim the roots to better fit the container.

As for water, try to keep the level constant.  To do this you might need to add water in between water changes.  Of this will depend on the humidity level and size of your arrangement. The acceptable practice for changing water in your lucky bamboo container is every two to three weeks.   To do this you will need distilled water or tap water that has been in an open container for 24 hours.

As for rocks, you will need clean and chemical free pebbles or rocks.  Many people use river rocks that are available at your local nursery or garden center.

Good luck and please keep me posted.

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