Question
hI wILL
aBOUT A MONTH AGO i PURCHASED 2 PLANTS FROM lOWES
tHE FIRST IS LABELED AS "zz plant". It is about 8 inches tall, thick leaves, bulbous stems, grows from a mass of bulb like projections at ground level----to be watered only 1 time/month and peforms well in low lightr conditions. They refer to it as  the "eternity plant".

The second plant is a BAMBOO plant. Actually it is a large bunch of cut stems (30-40 approx.1/4th inch diameter tied into a tight bundle and cut into 3 lengths------approx. 2--3---4 inches and tiered with the tallest in the center. The whole bunch is placed into container of water apprx. 1 inch deep. They say that they require no fertalizer and very little light. The bunch is well sprouted and very attractive, but I cant emagine it growing for long under these conditions    I would like to soil pot some of the stems---maybee 4 or 5 stems/ smatt pot.

Any ideas or info will be appreciated. Thanks in advance

bill bollaert

Answer
Hi Bill,

Your ZZ Plant's botanical name is Zamioculcus zamiifolia. The care instructions you have received are accurate. It will do best in a bright window, but it will survive light that is bright enough to read newsprint in for at least 8 hours per day. In low light, monthly watering is fine. In brighter light, watering every 2 to 3 weeks would be better. Skip the fertilizer and don't repot it.

Your Lucky Bamboo is not actually a Bamboo. They are Dracaena sanderiana cuttings that are rooting in water. They do need bright indirect light, such that you get on a north windowsill. They will last for about a year in water. After that they will begin to get pale and deteriorate.

One or more of the stems can be potted in a SMALL pot of peat-based, soilless potting mix. But wait until the roots are about an inch or more long before potting them up.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.
   
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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

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