Growing lucky bamboo in soil really isn’t much different than growing it in water. So the same things that cause problems in water will also cause problems in the soil.

First, any time you transplant a lucky bamboo it will go through shock. And most of the time we only re-pot our plants when we think they are in stress to begin with. When lucky bamboo tips turn brown it does not necessarily mean that the plant needs to be re-potted. In fact, it usually is caused by fluoride in the water or air that is too dry. I’m not sure if they put fluoride in your public water system, but if they do this could be a problem for your lucky bamboo. In cases where fluoride is a problem I suggest using distilled water. I don’t think dry air would be a problem for you but if it is mist the air surrounding the plant.

Now on to your situation. When lucky bamboo is transplanted, especially if the roots are cut, the plant will go through transplant shock. Lucky bamboo likes to be crowded and will need time to adjust to its new surroundings. The key is to re-pot the lucky bamboo into a fast draining soil media usually on top of a layer of stones or crockery pieces. This will allow for good drainage and keep the roots from rotting. Make sure that your lucky bamboo isn’t planted any deeper than it was in its previous container. Planting it too deep will causes problems. If you planted them deep because the stems were too tall, shorten the stems and create new plants instead. In Caring For Lucky Bamboo there is a propagation section that will tell you how to cut the tops off your lucky bamboo and start new plants while encouraging new leaves on your old stems. You might want to mix a very diluted solution of Vitamin B1 (garden strength liquid) and water your lucky bamboo with this solution. It will help your plant through the transplant shock phase and you need to do this only once. Then give a wait and see approach - keeping the soil moist . In about three weeks you should start to see improvements. Please keep me posted.