Find Your Ask the Expert: Hi,
I have a question about caring for my lucky bamboo plant. I have had the plant for 2 and a half years, and the branch has gotten so large that it cannot even stand up straight anymore because of the weight. It seems like the base node of the stalk is too thin to support it, though it is green and looks healthy. What would you recommend? Should I try to find some kind of wooden pole for support. Your advice is highly appreciated.
Best Regards,
Alaina Kiskaddon
Plant Expert Reply:
Lucky bamboo stalks that are flimsy because they are too long need to be topped. This gives you a great opportunity to create new stalks.
Before you top your lucky bamboo, you will need a few things: a sharp knife, rooting hormone, a container for the new stalks, and a water mist bottle. I recommend using distilled water with lucky bamboo, but you can use tap water. If you use tap water it will need to aerate it overnight before you use it.
Once you have assembled your tools, determine how short you want your existing stalk to be after you top it. Now find a node close to the height you want the stalk to be. The node is the raised ring on the lucky bamboo stalk. Cut the lucky bamboo stalk off an inch above the node. The part that is still attached to the roots will form new leaves and the part (top) that is left will become a new lucky bamboo stalk. Dip the cut end of the top in rooting hormone and let dry. When the rooting hormone has dried, place it in the new container filled with water.
In a couple of weeks the top will develop roots. In a few weeks the existing stalk will form leaves. However, to help the leaves form you new leaves you will need to mist the stalks. Start misting the stalk a couple of days after you have topped it. Mist it once or twice a day until the leaves form.
You can create new stalks any time by repeating the process. Good luck and keep me posted.
Thank you so much for the advice. Here is a picture of how big it’s been getting. I was actually leaning it against the wall for support haha.
My other concern is that the small stalk inside the curly one is turning yellow but is still light green on the top leaves, while the big, curly stalk seems to be thriving (apart from leaning over). The big one has even started to grow 2 new stalks from underneath the water, as you can see. Could the smaller one be turning yellow because the big one is taking over?
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here is a close up
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Wow! Your lucky bamboo has really grown. You can easily cut the top off just above the curly section and maintain your curly section. As for the yellowing stalk, separate it from the healthy green one. The yellow stalk looks like it may have a lesion on the stalk down at the water level which may be causing the yellowing. The large stalk may have scraped the small stalk at some time creating a wound. You can still create a new stalk from the yellow one. You will just need to eliminate any yellow parts. I suggest creating anew stalk from the top 3 inches of the stalk and getting rid of the yellow part completely.
Hi Jamie,
I have same concern. I don’t know how to propagate spiral lucky bamboo plant? Mine is growing taller day by day and I am having problem maintaining that. Plant looks healthy to me still but I think if I make new stalk it will be much healthier. As you suggested above cut above the spiral. After that what? Do I need to waxed the cut spiral part or just left in the water? Also my new stalk is really tall so shall I make it two from it or just leave it as one. Sharing a picture for your clear understanding. Thanx in advance :)
Aprajita,
I normally don’t apply wax. I simply make the cut on an angle and let the plant heal itself. Check out this link for more info: https://www.flowershopnetwork.com/blog/we-are-not-always-lucky-with-lucky-bamboo/