Find Your Ask the Expert: Lucky Bamboo Stalks turning yellow
I recently received a Lucky Bamboo, shortly after the top of 2 of the stalks started turning yellow. One of them is down the stem about an inch and a half and feels a little mushy. I’ve read what to do if they start from the bottom but have found nothing about the tops. Thanks Pam
Reply:
Pam,
There is a difference in what causes stalks to turn yellow from the bottom up and from the top down. Usually fertilizer is the culprit when the stalks turn yellow from the bottom up. However, fertilizer may not be the only culprit when the stalks turn yellow from the top down. Too much light can be the issue. If you placed your plant where the light source can beat directly down on the lucky bamboo the leaves and stalk might turn yellow. So the first thing I would try is moving your plant away from the light source slightly. This should keep the other stalks from turning yellow. Unfortunately the stalks that are mushy will continue to decline unless you cut off the yellow mushy parts. Once the yellow is removed the plant will form new leaves.
For instruction on how to do this read the previous blog post called We Are Not Always Lucky With Lucky Bamboo
Also, I would probably change the water just in case the lucky bamboo has been exposed to too much fertilizer. Be sure to used distilled water or tap water that has been in an open container for 24 hours or more (this will allow the fluoride and chlorine to evaporate).
Good Luck and Keep me Posted.
