Find Your Ask The Expert: My lucky bamboo is not really growing much although its roots are growing very fast. I have to keep buying bigger containers to put it in as the leaves turn yellow.Can I trim the roots..appreciate any advise. its looks silly a small plant in a big pot.
thank you, cynthia arcese
Are Massive Roots Causing Yellow Leaves In Lucky Bamboo?
December 1, 2008 by 3 Comments
Cynthia,
You can trim the roots on your lucky bamboo. However, the roots are probably not the reason your leaves have been turning yellow. Typically two things cause the leaves to turn yellow – too much fertilizer or too much light. You should only feed your lucky bamboo every two months. AS for lighting, lucky bamboo needs to be in bright light but not directly in bright light.
Lucky bamboo is a slow grower and likes to be crowded in its container. So when you cut the roots move it back down to a smaller container. You might be interested in our Caring for Lucky Bamboo newsletter or our handy Caring For Lucky Bamboo – Dracaena Sanderiana Guide. Good luck and keep me posted.
About a month ago my bamboo has this real bad smell like rotting took the plant and sprayed the plants and roots still has this bad smell please some one help me have had plants going on 4 years never had this problems before what else can I do to keep from losing the plant
Pamela,
A bad smell from bamboo is most likely due to rotting, caused by exposure to cold temperatures or over-watering. Most of the time, bamboo is sold in a water container. Over time, the plant’s roots decay and give off a strong sulfur smell. Try changing the water frequently and washing lucky bamboo roots in fresh running water, rubbing away any soft, rotten material, can help reduce the smell. I would recommend that you ultimately plant lucky bamboo in potting soil and water it regularly so that the soil is constantly moist.