House Plants/Lucky bamboo

Advertisement

Expert: Tracy - 12/12/2006


Question
I found a lucky bamboo plant at the store that looked like it needed a little help, with it’s yellow leafs.  So I took it home and as a little project to have fun with I’ve been trying to make it healthy again by keeping it in water and even spraying the leafs one time a day with a spray bottle.  Is there a fertilizer I can use or spray to give it the vitamins it needs to become healthy and green again?  

Answer
Hi Chris,
I usually don't recommend buying unhealthy plants. Plants that are already unhealthy usually don't recover from the stress of relocating to your home, which is a sudden change in environment. Also unhealthy plants can bring their problems into your home to share with your resident plants.
First carefully check the bamboo plant for insects. Spider mites are almost impossible to see without a strong magnifying glass so it might be best to just go ahead and treat for insects.
Wash the plant off well with a strong spray of water. You could probably wash it off under the kitchen sink tap. In a large bowl mix a few drops of dishwashing liquid with water. Dip the bamboo plant into the soapy water and swish it around. Make sure not to get any of the soapy water on the roots. Rinse the plant really well. Repeat treatment every 5-7 days. To make sure all insects are killed repeat treatment at least 3 times.
You should never fertilizer an unhealthy plant. Fertilizer will NOT fix an unhealthy plant, it will only cause further harm.
After the plant recovers and is doing well, you can add a small amount of fertilizer to the water. Use a liquid fertilizer and dilute it 1 part liquid fertilizer to 2 parts water.
Good luck
I hope this helps. If you have any questions or need additional information please don't hesitate to ask.
Thanks
Tracy & Gracie

House Plants

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Tracy

Expertise

I have a great deal of experience with most foliage houseplants. I am knowledgeable and experienced in the care of many different kinds of houseplants as well as the pests and diseases common to houseplants. I have had a lot of experience and success with most propagation techniques. I am also knowledgeable and experienced with artificial lighting for plants. I can answer questions about all aspects of 'indoor gardening'. Not only questions about growing foliage plants and starting seeds under artificial plant lighting but also questions about artificial plant light system set up, supplemental artificial lighting and cost. ~ I can help identify plants accurately ONLY if you submit a picture of the plant with your question.~

Experience

I usually always have at least 70 houseplants at all times. I have done extensive research, education and have over 15 years of experience with houseplants, indoor gardening, interior landscaping and artificial plant lighting. About 30% of my houseplants are grown exclusively under artificial plant lighting. Many of the other houseplants that are growing in natural light are also given supplemental lighting using artificial plant light. I have 5 complete artificial plant light systems that I designed and built.

Organizations
I have done volunteer work for several local botanical gardens and conservatories.

Publications
I have written extensively about plants, all aspects of houseplant care, indoor gardening and artificial plant lighting. I have written many informational blogs, articles and 'plant care guides' for many websites, forums and some online horticultural communities.

Education/Credentials
I have extensive research, knowledge and experience on the care of houseplants, the different kinds of houseplants, pests and diseases common to houseplants, indoor gardening/landscaping and artificial plant lighting.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.