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.