Kind Act Causes Problems For Lucky Bamboo
January 7th, 2008 | By: Jamie Jamison AdamsAsk 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
Share This Article
Related posts:
January 7th, 2008 at 8:37 am
Andrea,
Your lucky bamboo has root-rot and nothing will save it. However, if the top of your lucky bamboo is still green you can start a new one. Find a green and solid node (the raised ring thats grows on the stalk); then make a cut about an inch above this node. This piece should have a green stem and leaves – dip into rooting hormone (your local garden center should have this product). Let the stem dry overnight and then place in a clean container with distilled water. The water level should be a couple of inches. In a couple of weeks change the water as you normally would — soon you will begin to see new roots.
Although your step-father placed too much water in the container, I don't think that is exactly what caused the rotting. Root-rot is cause more often by over-fertilization. I would be careful when fertilizing — always use a dilute fertilizer. I would not fertilize your new plants until the roots are well established. Good Luck.
You might want to take a look at Caring For Bamboo.