Lucky Bamboo Didn’t Like The Move

Ask the Expert: lucky bamboo problems
I have a few questions about my “lucky bamboo” plant.

I received this plant nearly a year ago and had no problems when living in the tropics but since i have moved to a colder state i have been encountering problems. The plant originally had 3 stalks and was potted rather than being in water.

Firstly the leaves on the plant started turning yellow, i moved it from a window sill to my bathroom as i thought it may be getting to much sunlight. This didnt help, i then noticed one of the stalks starting to yellow as well as the tips of the leaves dyeing off after they had turned yellow. The stalk turned yellow became mushy and started growing these little black dots, i discarded this stalk but replanted the leaf stalk from it in potting mix. Will it grow or should i put it in water?

The remaining 2 stalks seem healthier although there are leaves that have yellowing or browned tips, is there any hope for these 2 stalks or will they continue to yellow and result in the stalk turning yellow and mushy as well?

I currently have the plant sitting in a lower light area and am watering with water thats been sitting out for 24 hours in case its something in the water.

Will cutting the leaf growths help? Should i take it out from the pot and keep it in water? HELP i dont want it to die!!

thanks

sarah jellie

Reply:
Your lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) is going through transplant shock from the move. Anytime a plant is stressed, it is more susceptible to diseases and pests.

I think you have a couple of things going on. First the new water probably caused the initial yellowing leaves. The difference in light exposure from your old place to your new place may also be a factor. Those problems can be overcome. Place the lucky bamboo in light exposure that mimics the light exposure you used to have. As for water, you are doing just what you need to do.

If lucky bamboo is growing in soil it is best to keep it in soil. However, I would not place the cut bamboo stalk back into the original soil. I would either start it in water or give it the stalk its own pot with soil. You will need to keep the soil very moist until the roots form. The other stalks will not need this much moisture.

As for the leaves, remove all yellowing leaves. Then give your stalks time to recover. Good luck and keep me posted.