Question
I have a beautiful Bamboo plant that has lived in a glass vase in water for 2+ years.  It has grown and done very well.  Now all of a sudden the tips of some of the leaves are turning brown and dried out.  What is the cure?  Do I need to plant it in soil?  If so what type soil and container do you suggest along with care?

Answer
Hi Kevin,

Lucky bamboo are not actually bamboo. They are Dracaena sanderiana cuttings. Although they will live for a long time in water, in most cases the new growth weakens considerably after a year or two. If you want yours to live a long time, it is best to plant it in a small pot of soil before it starts to deteriorate further.

Use a standard peat-based potting mix in a small pot that the soil does not stay moist for too long after watering. The surface of the soil should dry out about every 5-7 days.

It will do best in bright indirect light and warm temperatures above 60 degrees. To control height it is best to prune it 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

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]