Question
I have a 3 stalk bamboo plant and the leaves are turning yellow on the ends.  I have always kept water in the glass container it lives in, however, since the leaves have been turning yellow I thought maybe I was over watering it.  This hasn't been a problem for the past 7 years until now.  Could it be getting too much indirect sunlight?  Should I repot it since it has been in the same glass container for 7 years?  Help....

Answer
Hi Kellie,

Your Lucky Bamboo is really Dracaena cuttings that are rooted in water. In nature, they grow in soil, not in water. Like most cuttings rooted in water, eventually they run out of nutrients and need to be moved into small pots filled with potting soil. Indeed, the fact that yours has done well for seven years in plain water is quite remarkable!

Use a small pot that is about the same size as the glass container and make sure it has a drainage hole in the bottom. Spread the roots out in the pot and fill the pot with a porous, peat-based potting mix. Keep the potting mix slightly damp and provide lots of bright indirect light. After 6 months, fertilize monthly at half-strength.

I have written an article on the care of Lucky Bamboo that I will email to anyone who sends a request to my address below.

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

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Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC