Ask The Expert: I was trying to reach someone by phone, to ask a question about a lucky
bamboo plant that I have. I have had this plant for three years now, it is beautiful and I have never had any issues with it. I went on vacation this past week and I literally forgot to have my co-workers water it for me and I have returned and the leaves are pure yellow. Please tell me what I should do for this. Should I peel them off? Or will this come out of it, I love this plant and I don’t want to loose it. It went for almost 10 days without water : Thank you so much. Paula

Paula,

You have a couple of options. If the roots are still viable you can simply water the plant (more…)

Ask the Expert: Thank you for the information on the “Lucky Bamboo.” What should the pH of the water be? We have a filter that regulates the pH so we can get water at the following levels of pH: 2.5, 4.5, 5.5, 8.0, 8.5, 9.0 & 11.5. Which one should we use? Thanks! Susan

Susan,

The minimum ph is 6.1 the maximum is 7.5. I would try to keep it between 6.5 and 7.0. Are the above ranges the only ones you can get?

Ask the Expert: Lucky Bamboo Dying

I have had it for 6 years. It has been great until the past week. The leaves and turning yellow and are “falling over” and there are some green crystals forming. I have not made any changes to sunlight or watering. What are the crystals? What can I do? Jen

Jen,

Do the green crystals look like the green scale in this picture from the University of

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Ask the Expert: How do we heal Lucky bamboo from the freeze? We were moving and the Lucky Bamboo was left in the cold car over night. The stalks look like the celery when it gets refrigerator burn. How can we help it to heal? Thank you, Kathy Kastner

Kathy,

I am afraid there isn’t much you can do for lucky bamboo exposed to freezing conditions. The problem with freeze is effects the plant cell at the molecular level - meaning it can

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Ask the Expert: My Bamboo seems to have this white powdery stuff at the base of the leaves (and stalk). I wash it off but it just comes back. What could it be? Should I discard this entire plant? Cynthia

Cynthia,

Could the powdery substance be more of a sticky cottony substance? There is an insect called Cottony Cushion Scale that can effect lucky bamboo. Although it doesn’t look like a

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Ask the Expert: I have had a Lucky Bamboo plant on my desk at work for about 4 years. It is now 5 feet tall. Can I trim the Bamboo without killing the plant? It has
certainly been a conversation piece. Thank you in advance. Renee

Renee,

You can trim your lucky bamboo and create new stalks in the process. You will need some

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Ask the Expert: Lucky Bamboo Spirals

I just purchased two stalks with lovely matching spirals below their leaves. How do I create these spirals again when I cut the tall stalks and want to start a new plant?  Betty

Ask the Expert: my step-father filled the water of my lucky bamboo to the top of the vase.Now the stalk is mushy, hollow and brownish-yellow. I have had the plant for 2 years. Is there any way to save it? Andrea

Ask the Expert: I READ THE FOLLOWING INFO CARING FOR LUCKY BAMBOO ON LUCKY BAMBOO PLANTS. I’VE HAD ONE FOR ABOUT A YEAR OR SO AND IT DOESN’T GROW MUCH AND IS KIND REAL PALE. TO RENEW IT CAN I DUMP OUT THE WATER THAT’S BEEN IN IF FOR QUITE A WHILE AND HAS A LOT OF MINERALS ETC AND REFILL IT WITH BOTTLED WATER? IF SO, SHOULD I LIGHTLY SCRAP OFF THE MINERAL DEPOSITS? Todd

Ask the Expert: Lucky Bamboo……….I understand about leaves turning yellow because of water but what about stems beginning to turn yellow? Can I cut a healthy stem just below the “knuckle” or joint and grow a new plant? Thank you Stephen

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