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 destroy the cells not just compromise them. It is all a wait and see process. Bring the lucky bamboo into an area that is not too hot, don’t fertilize or change the water (unless the water is frozen) for a week. In a few days you will see exactly how much damage has been done. Hopefully some part of the lucky bamboo will survive – you will need to cut off the dead or even root the surviving part. Good luck – I wish there was more that could be done.

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

Flower Shop Network Plant Expert Reply:

You can trim your lucky bamboo and create new stalks in the process. You will need some rooting hormone from your local garden center. Begin by deciding how tall you want your lucky bamboo to be then find a node around that height. Nodes are the raised rings on the stalk. Cut the stalk about an inch above the node. New growth will appear from the cut in a few weeks – after a couple of days later start misting your stalks lightly every couple of days to encourage the new growth. Don’t fertilize for a couple of weeks.

Now you will have a lucky bamboo stalk that has no roots. Dip the cut end of this piece of lucky bamboo in rooting hormone and let dry over night. Place the unrooted stalks in water and patiently wait for the roots to form. In no time, you will have new lucky bamboo stalks. Don’t Fertilize until roots are well established.

You might want to take time to read the Caring For Lucky Bamboo Plants newsletter or our Caring For Lucky Bamboo – Dracaena sanderiana Tips.

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

Stephen,

The yellow stalks are usually caused by over fertilization.  Too much fertilizer can caused the stem cells to burst thus causing irreparable damage. The chlorine and other chemicals in the water can also cause stem damage.  When the stem turn yellow, I suggest that you start new ones.  Cut the stem off above the yellow an inch above a node (knuckle) and dip the top in rooting hormone; let dry overnight; place in fresh distilled water.  You should see new roots in a couple of weeks.

Ask the Expert: Lucky bamboo has yellow and sticky leaves

Hi, Ive had my bamboo for 4 years, it has always been in the same place and pot. It is very tall and now the branches are turning soft and wabbly and a few yellow leaves. Under the leaves there is a sticky substance. Cleaned it with wet towel but came back. Spray with indoor plant bug killer, stopped overall yellow but still on tip of leaves and still wabbly. Moved closer to window still nothing. What could it be? Stickyness still there