Expert: Dr. Rakesh Kumar - 9/8/2002

Question
Kumar
I have seen bamboo plants growing in a spiral.  How do they make them do that?
Also, I have a couple lucky bamboo plants and was wondering if I clip one of the new shoots can I start a new plant myself?  How do I go about doing this? Would it harm my original plant at all?
Thanks Kristine  

Answer
It is natural thing, it is due to the growth pattern of bamboo rhizome. If you clip a new shoot from the base of rhizome it will not harm to the mother clump but be cautious, infection may be caused through the injury so apply any fungicide. For propagating select old culm not new.

Rakesh