Expert: Will Creed - 9/7/2006

Question
Will,

I have an indoor bamboo, that my mom gave me, when she first gave it it to me there were several stalks wrapped in a rubber band, they have all died except one, it is in a glass fish bowl with the marbles in the bottom, I change the water from time to time and clean the marbles, it has now turned yellow and looks like it is dying as well, the last time I changed the water I put purified water in it, I have also asked at the local mall at a bamboo store, they told me to put it in a dark spot under the sink for about a week, Do I need to plant this in soil, if so what type.   Thanks    Margaret

Answer
Hi Margaret,

Lucky bamboo are not actually bamboo. They are Dracaena sanderiana cuttings. Like most cuttings, they need fresh water periodically and they will grow roots in the water. If your tap water is on the hard side, then use filtered or distilled or rainwater.

Although they will live for a long time in water, in most cases the new growth weakens considerably after a year or so. If you want yours to live a long time, it is best to plant them in a small pot filled with a peat-based potting mix before they start to deteriorate.

They do best in bright indirect light and warm temperatures above 60 degrees. Putting them in the dark for a week makes no sense whatsoever.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: wcreed@HorticulturalHelp.com

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