Question
I was given a little vase with three single bamboo, and they grew and look beautiful. Just recently one of my smaller ones started turning yellow and is now from the looks of it is completely dead. First question.... how did that one die and the others live including the other small one which is exactly the same size? Second question.... should I leave her in there with the rest of them, or should I try and take her out? I've been worried about my baby and want her to live a long time, please, please give me something that will save her

Answer
Hi Rachel,

Luky Bamboo are novelty plants that are currently very popular because they are seductively easy to care for - just keep the vase filled with water. Unfortunately, it is not quite that simple if you want to keep them alive for a long time.

Lucky Bamboo are not really Bamboo, although they do look somewhat similar. They are actually Dracaena cuttings that are rooted in water. Like any cutting rooted in water, they eventually have to be moved into small pots with potting mix or they will gradually yellow and die due to lack of nutrients. Also like other cuttings, some root better than others and some last longer than others.

I suggest that you find a small pot that is just large enough to hold the roots and barely enough potting mix to cover the roots. The pot should have a drainage hole. Remove and discard the dead stem. Water the potted plant thoroughly then do not water again until the top quarter of the potting mix feels dry.

Lucky Bamboo do best on a moderately sunny windowsill that gets up to but no more than 3 or 4 hours of direct sun each day.

I have written an article on Lucky Bamboo that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who sends a request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

If this information has been helpful, please click the Rate Volunteer bar below and enter a rating and nomination for me. I am a volunteer on this site so Ratings are the only compensation I receive for answering plant questions.

Need more information? Visit my website at www.HorticulturalHelp.com
or email me at [email protected] or call me at 917-887-8601 (EST)
 
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC