posted
I have a lucky bamboo plant. I realize that this isnt really a bamboo at all (I have read that it is a dracaena). Anyway, about a week ago I had a cup sitting on my desk. I saw the lucky bamboo needed water so I poured water from the cup to the lucky bamboo. Then it occured to me that it wasnt water that was in the cup. It was Fresca (a clear soda that looks like water at first glance). I figured the plant would be ok so I just let it go. A few days later I noticed the plant was starting to turn yellow and the leaves were sagging. I took the plant out of its pot, rinsed off its roots, rinsed out its stones, and rinsed out its pot. The leaves purked up a little bit the next day, but it is still turning yellow. Even the main "stalk" of the plant is starting to loose its green color. I have read that if a branch turns yellow, to cut it off. If I did that, I would need to cut off every single branch. Even then I dont know if that would help since the main part of the plant is turning yellow as well. Im not really sure what to do. There still is more green than yellow on the plant but, the yellow is taking over fast. Is there any hope for my lucky bamboo?
From: Beverly Hills 90210 | Registered: Oct 2004
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Cricket
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Hi PlantPersonX,
You might have to cut the stalk down to where it is green at a node (horizontal line on the stalk). New growth should shoot from the node and, hopefully, the plant will come back. Perhaps someone else more knowledgeable will have further suggestions. Good luck!
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Lucky bamboos will die eventually since they are clipped. You should use fertilizer infrequently and always filtered water. This is largely why they turn yellow. Also, no direct sunlight. It's a very cheap plant and can easily be replaced when it goes. if the stems are yellowing, it is very unlikely you will save this plant. Sorry.
[ 01-27-2005, 04:35 AM: Message edited by: catlover ]
From: queens Ny | Registered: Nov 2004
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Not to be disrespectful, but I think it is worth trying to save. One of my five lucky bamboos had leaves and a stalk that was turning yellow, so I cut it back to a healthy green and it bounced back with new growth. I don't know if I should have sealed the stalk somehow (I didn't).
I'm glad that I didn't give up on the plant and it really didn't take any effort!
posted
cricket, i am in agreement with you. not everyone considers plants to be disposable decorations, and not every one's budget will allow for constant replacement.
also, if a plant such as a "lucky bamboo" is replaced rather than saved, then the folks who are making money off of mis-representing them will continue to make money. and that is wrong too.
bbbbbbbbb
From: Effingham County, GA USA Z 8b | Registered: Aug 2002
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I agree, Jiffy. I sometimes wonder if one of the reasons that they are marketed the way they are is so they will die faster and, therefore, be replaced sooner!! "Lucky bamboo" will SURVIVE in water for a long time but they THRIVE in soil.
My gardening philosophy is that by nurturing our plants and providing for their needs properly, we are valuing and honoring LIFE!!
Celebrating 10 years of helping your gardens grow!
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