Expert: Dr. Rakesh Kumar - 1/9/2007

Question
What kind of nutrients/supplements, etc. should I be looking for when I have new bamboo cuttings?  I had purchased 8 long bamboo shoots.  They were fine but way too long so I cut them in half and started two cutting vases containing 8 shoots each.  The the bottom half of the bamboo shoots which already had the roots growing quickly began to yellow and appears to be rotting.  The top half has now also started to fade and yellow now.  I fear I will loose all of them.  Please help.  Thank you.

Answer
Dear Moriah
I think it may be due to any infection transmitted at the time of cutting the shoots. If rotting started from cut end downwards then definately due to dryness or infection. In this situation you must apply wax or vaselene at cut end at the time of cutting. You can also try same now. For nutrition you can purchase readymade solution and apply in dilution.
Best of luck. Hope for the best.
Rakesh