Taking Care Of New Lucky Bamboo

Ask the Expert: I just recently got my Lucky Bamboo!I was reading some on the computer and they said that the roots are healthy when they are red. Mine are a light tan??? I got it that way I just have one stalk!! Is it better to leave it in water or plant it in soil or in pebbles? every site I read says all three work! And Mine is Yellowish on the top of the stem what does that mean? I’m about to go out of town and leave it with my friend so I need to get all the info I can so she doesn’t kill it!! Thanks SO Much Jadee

Plant Expert Reply:

Caring for lucky bamboo (Dracaena Sanderiana) is fairly simply.  With the right light and water, your lucky bamboo will basically take care of its self.

Let’s address your first question.  What color should the roots be? Older roots are ususally orange or rust colored.  Newer roots are white or cream in color.  Roots which are any of these colors are healthy.  However if your roots are black or slimy red, you have a problem.

Second question – what should lucky bamboo be planted in.  If it came to you in water leave it in water.  It is not necessary to add pebbles or rocks, but it won’t hurt to have them.  If your lucky bamboo came in soil, leave it in soil.  Lucky bamboo can grow in weither soil or water.  However, it doesn’t like to switch back and forth.

Third question – Yellowing top.  Lucky bamboo with yellowing at the top of the stalk can be a result of too much light, fertilizer or exposure to fluoride.  This kind of damage actually presents itself in the leaves of the stalk.  If the yellowing is on the stalk above where it has been cut, you have dieback.  Should the yellowing travel down the stem, the stalk will die.

Since you are new to lucky bamboo, I suggest reading our Caring for lucky Bamboo newsletter.  You can also find more question and answers about lucky bamboo in the blog.