Question
Bamboo plants have been growing in water for 3 years.  The stalks are turning brown a d some have rotted.  How do I get rid of rotten ones because the stems are all bound together?  The plant has ground about 3 feet tall and want to try to keep the plant.  I just pulled the dead stems out.

Answer
Hi Ray,

The dead stems should come loose because their roots are also dead. Otherwise, cut off the dead stems just above the root mass.

Lucky bamboo are not actually bamboo. They are Dracaena sanderiana cuttings. Like most cuttings, they need fresh water periodically. If your local water is on the hard or alkaline side, then switch to distilled or filtered water.

Although they will live for a long time in water, in most cases the new growth weakens considerably after a year or so. If you want yours to live a long time, it is best to plant them in a small pot of soil. They do best in bright indirect light and warm temperatures above 60 degrees. To control height it is best to prune them back periodically anywhere along the thinner stems that grow out of the thicker canes. New growth will emerge and grow up from a point just below where you make the pruning cuts. The pruned off portion can then be rooted in water to make new plants.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions. If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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