Lucky Bamboo

[LINDA]

I HAVE A LUCKY BAMBOO THAT I HAVE HAD FOR 5 YEARS-IT STARTED AT ABOUT 3" AND IS NOW 30". IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN A WONDERFUL GREEN. IT HAS SPIRALED AND HAS TO LONG LEAF SHOOTS GROWING OUT OF IT. THE PAST WEEK-IT HAS TURNED YELLOW. HOW OR CAN I SAVE IT---PLEASE HELP-IT WAS BOUGHT ON MY HONEYMOON.

[RedBedHead]

Linda,
I have bamboo too and, unfortunately, I think that this is just part of the cycle. I could be wrong but my bamboo will thrive for years and then suddenly, turn yellow as well. If there is a way to prevent this, I don't know of it. Wish I could help :( .

[Mel-icious]

I'm not a lucky bamboo expert, but here is what I have found:

http://www.emilycompost.com/lucky_bamboo.htm

Q: I was searching the web to try to figure out what has made my lucky bamboo sick. Two stalks have already died. I think it is because I started using a different fertilizer. I only use a few drops a month. A few days after I fertilize I noticed these white/green crystals that accumulate on the stalk and the container. Is this fertilizer killing my bamboo? Two stalks have turned yellow /brown and is soft and mushy. I discarded them.

A: Yes, the 'lucky bamboo' may start dying when it starts to turn yellow.

Once that happens I am afraid it is a gonner.

I do not suggest fertilizing and if you do, just use a much-diluted water-soluble Miracle Grow or Peters.

Change the water every 2 weeks. This prevents bacteria from building up.

Distilled water seems to work very well.

Good bright light but not full sun.

This is a plant that must be ignored.

They tend to like being pot bound.

I grew it 30 years ago as a Ribbon plant, in a dirt pot.

It is a member of the corn plant family and although roots well and grows well in water it is not an aquatic plant.

Good luck.

[Turtleheadfred]

Thanks Mel! That's interesting... because mine is in a dish with only a sponge and water! Maybe I should transplant it to dirt?

[LINDA]

thanks for everyone reply-went this morning and bought 3 new ones-will start again. my first was was potted in a gel that i got at a flee market-will just stick with distilled water with theses.