Lucky Bamboo - Bloomin' Blog

Lucky Bamboo Success Story

December 7, 2010 by Neal Adams 2 Comments

Ask the Expert: bamboo plants
I had them in water for a long time about 2 years until I saw a lot of roots coming form them, then I put my bamboo plants in miracle grow potting mix with bought dirt.

Ever since then they started to bloom like crazy to where I have to change the pot maybe once every two years. this is my second time transferring the pots. is this normal for them to grow like that? and is what I am doing okay? Fran

Flower Shop Network Plant Expert Reply:

Despite the fact that lucky bamboo (draceana sanderiana) can be grown in water, it really prefers to live in soil. So, you lucky bamboo is healthy and happy and you should be proud of your success. You are seeing normal growth. Keep doing what you are doing. If the plants become to tall, you can always top the lucky bamboo stalks and start new plants.

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Filed Under: Lucky Bamboo Tagged With: Dracaena sanderiana, Lucky Bamboo, Potting Lucky Bamboo

Saving A Very Sentimental, But Too Tall Lucky Bamboo Plant

November 9, 2010 by Mandy Maxwell 1 Comment

Ask The Expert: I have a lucky bamboo plant that I purchased 10 years ago. It is now about 3 1/2 feet high and although I have it staked it is top heavy and difficult to keep it from tipping over. Can it be cut back and if so, how? I would most appreciate any advise you may offer. This plant has a great deal of sentimental value. it was purchased while my wife was being treated for lung cancer, She died several months later. I would very much appreciate any help you can offer. -Syl

Red Line Indicates Node - Yellow line indicates where to Make Cut

Flower Shop Network Plant Expert Reply: Yes, trimming or topping lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) is definitely an option. Because your plant is so sentimental, something you may want to do is start a brand new plant with your clippings. To do this, you will need:

a sharp knife
a misting bottle
rooting hormone
clean container for topped piece
distilled water

Topping & Rooting Lucky Bamboo

Step 1: Find a node (raised ring on stem) at the height you want the plant to be after you top it.

Step 2: Cut about an inch above this node. Since you have a very tall lucky bamboo plant, you can make multiple cuts along the nodes. Be sure each new plant section is at least 4-6 inches long.

Step 3: Dip one, cut end into the rooting hormone, which you can find at local garden and nursery centers.

Step 4: Let this dry overnight and then place the new clipping in the new container filled with distilled water. Only a few inches is needed, but do keep the water level consistent at all times.

Step 5: Leave the old stems alone for a few days.

Step 6: After a few days, begin to mist your lucky bamboo daily to encourage new leaf growth.

Care for the old stem and the new stem the same way you always have except for fertilizing. Wait a couple months before you fertilize the new stem. Soon you will have beautiful, thriving lucky bamboo plants, and even more in the future! These will make extra special gifts for friends and loved ones.

Related Articles:

Caring for Lucky Bamboo

Topping Lucky Bamboo

We Are Not Always Lucky With Lucky Bamboo

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Filed Under: Plant Care Questions Tagged With: Lucky Bamboo, Plant Care Questions

Can You Revive A Yellow Lucky Bamboo Stalk?

September 13, 2010 by Jamie Jamison Adams 1 Comment

Ask the Expert: Yellowing Bamboo Stalk
Hello. About a week ago, I bought 3 stalks of Bamboo. At the time they were all green and healthy. I put them by the window and I think I gave them too much sun. A few days ago, 2 of the stalks were turning yellow. I moved the stalks out of the direct light. I did some research and it said to pull the yellow stalks out and place in a glass of fresh clean water. I put each yellow stalk in separate glasses. The one stalk left (still in the vase) is completley green and looking healthy. The other 2 have gotten considerably yellower as the days have gone on. I read that you can cut the bamboo at the \”knuckle\” to let it regrow….but what if there is no green left on the stalk to cut? Is there anything I can do? I am attaching a picture of all 3 of them. Thank you. Jill

Flower Shop Network Plant Expert Reply:
Once a stalk has gone completely yellow, it usually dies. However, I can’t see the very bottom of the yellow stalks. Since you have nothing to lose, I would try to start new growth from the roots. Make the cut above one of the nodes closest to the roots. Of course this will give you a very short stalk, but at least it might survive.

To help you understand how to do this, read We are not always lucky with lucky bamboo. This post includes pictures and descriptions.

Filed Under: Lucky Bamboo Tagged With: Lucky Bamboo, Yellowing Lucky Bamboo

Caring For Lucky Bamboo

August 4, 2010 by Jamie Jamison Adams Leave a Comment

Ask the Expert: Lucky Bamboo
I have a small lucky bamboo plant. I have only had this a few weeks, but a few of the leaves are turing yellow. Have I watered it too much or does it need to be out of the indirect light for a while? How often are you to water it, I use filtered water, and are you suppose to be able to see the water over the stones? Thank you! Jo Reyerson

Flower Shop Network Plant Expert Reply:

When caring for lucky bamboo remember this – lucky bamboo isn’t really a bamboo. It is actually a Dracaena sanderiana. As a result the plant needs to be placed somewhere it will not be in direct light, it will not get too dry or too cold.

I have found lucky bamboo will tolerate a wide range of living conditions if you follow a few suggestions:

Keep away from air vents. Don’t let the air blow directly on to the plant.
Don’t use tap water. It contains fluoride and chlorine which are harmful to lucky bamboo. Instead use distilled or filtered water or let you tap water rest in an open container for 24hrs before use – this will enable the fluoride and chlorine to evaporate.
Don’t over fertilize. This plant can go years without fertilizer. However, if the plant becomes spindly or pale, you can fertilize the lucky bamboo with a light solution of water-soluble fertilizer every 3mos.
Don’t place on a window sill that receives strong light. Indirect light is better for lucky bamboo. It grows naturally in dense shade under a thick rainforest canopy.
Mist the air around your plant occasionally.
Try to keep your water level constant. Depending on the container, you will need to keep the rocks holding the lucky bamboo covered.

Now as for the leaves turning yellow there are usually two causes: too much light or too much fertilizer. I suspect yours has gotten too much light. If this is possible, move it a little farther from your light source and the new leaves should be ok.

Filed Under: Lucky Bamboo Tagged With: Lucky Bamboo, Plant Care Tips

Lucky Bamboo: Fungus & Mushy Stalks

July 19, 2010 by Jamie Jamison Adams Leave a Comment

Ask The Expert: I have been reading about the bamboo plants, I had a coworker tell me to wash mine and rinse out the rocks, so I did. But after reading your info.. I am afraid mine is fungus!! That can’t be good to breathe in!! Most of the stalks around the outside are black and mushy.. the coworker thought if I cleaned them they would be OK.. now I am afraid I set mold up into the air!!! Deana

Flower Shop Network Plant Expert: I wouldn’t worry too much about the fungus going into the air. However, any lucky bamboo stalk that is mushy has a problem. I recommend topping the lucky bamboo and starting new plants. Then discard the black mushy part of the stalk. Wash the rock and container with hot soapy water and rinse thoroughly. Then fill the container with distilled water and place the tops in the water. They should start to form new roots in a couple of weeks.

To learn how to root new lucky bamboo stalks read the following:
Turn Your Lucky Bamboo Top Into A New Plant
Topping Lucky Bamboo
What Is A Lucky Bamboo Node

Filed Under: Lucky Bamboo Tagged With: Dracaena sanderiana, Lucky Bamboo, Lucky Bamboo Diseases

Yellow Lucky Bamboo Leaves Are A Sign Of Too Much Cold & Light

July 16, 2010 by Jamie Jamison Adams 5 Comments

Ask the Expert: I have some problem with my lucky bamboo.

Dear expert, I have some problem with my lucky bamboo. Leaves turn yellow. they are perfect three days ago. I have put them under the sun for 2-3 hours everyday for two days since this winter in Sydney is cold. It turns out like this. What can I do about it? is the problem assiciated with sun shine? please help me~ Ann

Flower Shop Network Plant Expert:

Winter sun can be very strong despite the cold. The combination of too much light and cold temperatures are causing the problem. The rapid changes in temperature can also be a problem for lucky bamboo. Instead of moving the plant in and out of the cold, find a place inside with a sufficient light source. Choose a room with some natural light. For a long time, I kept my lucky bamboo in a small bathroom with a little window. It received filtered light for about 4 hours a day and did very well.

The yellow leaves probably will stay yellow and may even fall off. Once your lucky bamboo has stabilized, it will produce new leaves. These leaves should be healthy and green.

Filed Under: Lucky Bamboo Tagged With: Lucky Bamboo, Yellowing Lucky Bamboo

Can You Make A Lucky Bamboo Stalk Branch?

July 6, 2010 by Jamie Jamison Adams Leave a Comment

Ask The Expert: I have several tall Lucky Bamboo plants. Most only have 1 limb sprouted. How can I get more branches from these plants. Thank You, Chef Harry Grow

Flower Shop Network Plant Expert: The nature of lucky bamboo is to grow a single stalk. However, you can make al lucky bamboo stalk branch by cutting the top off. If you top the lucky bamboo stalk, two new branches will appear on the side of the stalk just below the cut. You can then root the top to start a new stalk. Read Turn Your Lucky Bamboo Top Into A New Plant post to learn how to root the top.

Filed Under: Lucky Bamboo Tagged With: Dracaena sanderiana, Lucky Bamboo

Can Lucky Bamboo Go From Yellow To Green?

May 11, 2010 by Jamie Jamison Adams 15 Comments

Ask the Expert: About my lucky bamboo
If the thick stem of my lucky bamboo has turned yellow is there any way to get it green again? The plant is about 2 1/2 feet in height. Thanks you. Patsy

Plant Expert Reply:

Once a lucky bamboo stalk turns yellow it will not turn back to green. If the stalk is staying firm, you can leave it be. However, I usually remove the yellowing stalks from a container holding healthy green stalks. You can propagate new stalks from the yellow one if it still has green parts. Our blog post We are not always lucky with lucky bamboo details the process of propagating lucky bamboo.

Filed Under: Lucky Bamboo Tagged With: Dracaena sanderiana, Lucky Bamboo, Plant Propagation

When Should Lucky Bamboo Be Transplanted Into A Larger Vase

May 3, 2010 by Jamie Jamison Adams Leave a Comment

Ask the Expert: When to transplant
I have a Lucky Bamboo plant that is getting really big. It is in a small vase. How do I know when I should transplant to a larger vase? Kathryn

Plant Expert Reply:

A good rule of thumb is to transplant lucky bamboo when it becomes top heavy or is 1 1/2 times taller than the container it is in.

Filed Under: Lucky Bamboo Tagged With: Dracaena sanderiana, Lucky Bamboo, Plant Care Questions

What To Do With New Shoot From Lucky Bamboo

April 28, 2010 by Jamie Jamison Adams 2 Comments

Ask the Expert: Lucky Bamboo Plant
I have a new shoot coming out at the root base of one of my Lucky Bamboo plants, how do I take it off and start a new plant.

At the same time, do I trim any of the roots from the three Lucky Bamboo plants that I have in my container?

Thanks,
Wanda Graham

Plant Expert Reply:

If the shoot has it’s own set of roots, you can gently detach it from the main stalk. You now had a new lucky bamboo stalk that can reside in the container with your original stalks or you can place it in its own container. If it doesn’t have it’s own roots you would treat it the same way as propagating lucky bamboo.

As for the roots, you can trim them. I only trim mine if they are excessive and growing out of the container. Don’t cut to much of the roots off.

Filed Under: Lucky Bamboo Tagged With: Dracaena sanderiana, Lucky Bamboo, Potting Lucky Bamboo

Topping & Rooting Lucky Bamboo

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