Find Your Ask the Expert: How do I separate lucky bamboos?
My son wants to repot his lucky bamboo and separate it into two different pots. But, the roots are all intertwined/tangled. Can he cut them without harming the plants? How should he cut them? What is the best way? Vicki
Vicki,
It won’t hurt to cut the roots, but I usually work my fingers through the roots (similar to untangling hair) until I free them from each other. If you are going to cut them try to cut them as far from the lucky bamboo plant as possible. By doing this you will ensure that each stalk has plenty of roots to sustain it. Also check for any pest or problems before you repot the lucky bamboo. Flower Shop Network has a great newsletter about Caring For Lucky Bamboo and we have many blog posts concerning lucky bamboo issues if you would like further information.
Jamie
My lucky bamboo has been in it’s current pot for a couple of years, and has grown many inches in height. It was designed in a spiral form. The opening of the pot is smaller than the bowl of the pot. What is your suggestion for pulling the plant from the pot?
Tracy,
Have you ever had to remove a ring from a swollen finger? The same concept applies to the lucky bamboo. Gently pull and wiggle the lucky bamboo — you may have to rock it back and forth. The key is to apply light pressure as you pull it. Once you see the roots you have it made. Once you have a good section of the roots free from the pot you can trim off the rest. Once the lucky bamboo is free, place in a new container.
Thanks so much for the info!! I’m moving soon and was thinking about repotting my Lucky Bamboo plant so it will grow larger – it is growing very slowly and I wondered if a repotting would help it grow more.
Tracee,
It would only help if the pot is way too small.
Can you put bamboo together with all different heights. I heard they always have to stand straight together, but can they be different heights?
Pat,
Yes, you can place lucky bamboo of varying heights together.