Ask the Expert: I just recently got my Lucky Bamboo!I was reading some on the computer and they said that the roots are healthy when they are red. Mine are a light tan??? I got it that way I just have one stalk!! Is it better to leave it in water or plant it in soil or in pebbles? every site I read says all three work! And Mine is Yellowish on the top of the stem what does that mean? I’m about to go out of town and leave it with my friend so I need to get all the info I can so she doesn’t kill it!! Thanks SO Much Jadee

Plant Expert Reply:

Caring for lucky bamboo (Dracaena Sanderiana) is fairly simply.  With the right light and water, your lucky bamboo will basically take care of its self.

Let’s address your first question.  What color should the roots be? Older roots are ususally orange or rust colored.  Newer roots are white or cream in color.  Roots which are any of these colors are healthy.  However if your roots are black or slimy red, you have a problem.

Second question – what should lucky bamboo be planted in.  If it came to you in water leave it in water.  It is not necessary to add pebbles or rocks, but it won’t hurt to have them.  If your lucky bamboo came in soil, leave it in soil.  Lucky bamboo can grow in weither soil or water.  However, it doesn’t like to switch back and forth.

Third question – Yellowing top.  Lucky bamboo with yellowing at the top of the stalk can be a result of too much light, fertilizer or exposure to fluoride.  This kind of damage actually presents itself in the leaves of the stalk.  If the yellowing is on the stalk above where it has been cut, you have dieback.  Should the yellowing travel down the stem, the stalk will die.

Since you are new to lucky bamboo, I suggest reading our Caring for lucky Bamboo newsletter.  You can also find more question and answers about lucky bamboo in the blog.

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.