Lucky Bamboo Illness? - Ask Extension
My lucky bamboo plant was exposed to a little too much sun a few months ago, and has since started growing the "tumors(?)" shown in the attached file....
Knowledgebase
Lucky Bamboo Illness? #390446
Asked March 27, 2017, 1:00 PM EDT
My lucky bamboo plant was exposed to a little too much sun a few months ago, and has since started growing the "tumors(?)" shown in the attached file. The leaves that turned yellow following the overexposure started falling off shortly thereafter, which wasn't a huge deal since they were burned, but the leaves that are growing over these growths are currently turning yellow and falling off. Is my plant too sick to save? If it is not, (please let it be salvageable. I love my plant.), what steps should be taken? I have already purchased a new pot, as well as new rocks in order to eliminate any lingering algae or bacterial issues.
Oakland County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello,
The scientific name of lucky bamboo is Dracena sanderiana. It can be grown in water but it is sensitive to flouride and chlorine, both found in our tap water. Use rain water or distilled water when growing lucky bamboo in water or in soil. Flouride can cause the leaves to yellow. Lack of nutrients could cause yellow leaves, too. It is also sensitive to salt. Change the water once every 1-2 weeks. Fertilize with a water-based fertilizer once a month. But don't overdo on the fertilizer. The picture you showed appears to be a scar of where the dead leaf detached, or remains of the leaf sheath.
Here are some reference articles for you. You may want to take a cutting and try growing it in soil instead of water. It would be less maintenance to grow it in soil, since you wouldn't have to change the water. My references say it will do better in soil. When growing in soil, fertilize once every 2-3 months, or use a potting mix that contains fertilizer and start fertilizing when that has been used up, usually after about 4-6 months. There is more info on growing in soil, below.
This is a link to growing info:
This info from U of British Columbia contains some specifics for growing in soil:
"Dracaena sanderiana is found growing in the tropical rain forests of Cameroon in west Africa. Despite the fact it is commonly sold in a container of water, the species is not aquatic. It grows in moderately bright light in the understory (area beneath the canopy) of the rain forest. It looks very little like the "bamboo" canes you buy in the store, largely because it isn't a bamboo. And its also not a palm. According to TROPICOS, a service of the Missouri Botanical Garden, the species is a member of the lily family. Growers in southern Florida who plant it in their yards have produced plants that are quite attractive. However, it is tropical, so don't try to plant it outdoors in colder climates.
The "Lucky Bamboo" is frequently marketed and "grown" as a hydroponics plant, in a decorative jar including colored rock or marbles to keep the plant standing upright.
Dracaena sanderiana will do better, and is actually much less difficult to maintain, if grown as it does naturally, in soil. One reason is Dracaena sp. are easily affected, and sometimes killed, by fluoride. Unless you are using well water, you almost certainly have fluoride in your city water. As a result, you'll need to use water with no chemicals. For those trying to grow the plant in water, you will also need to make sure the water stays clear. Fog in the water is a sign of bacteria and that bacteria, can and will, attack the plant. Typically, people soon tire of constantly doing that routine every few days and soon just begin to draw water out of the tap. Almost inevitably, the plant will begin to decline.
Generally, rain forest species grow in very loose, fast draining soil. The majority enjoy damp roots, but not wet. Obviously, this one can live for longer periods of time in water since growers have figured out a neat way to sell millions of them by implying it is an aquatic bamboo and selling it in a jar. But the soil should drain quickly. You can use a "moisture control" soil mix and then add a handful of orchid bark and gravel such as found in Schultz™ orchid potting mix to help keep the soil loose. A good helping of Perlite™ will also be beneficial. Keep the soil damp, but not soggy. Your "Lucky Bamboo" will do best if kept in bright indirect, but not direct sun.
Plan on replacing a portion of the soil with newer potting soil mixed as I suggested, yearly. If you have been giving frequent amounts of fertilizer, slow down. A good method of giving the plant fertilizer is to offer about 20% of the manufacturer's recommended dose. " (End of article from Univ. of British Columbia)
Check the leaves, especially underneath, for tiny insects. Sometimes whiteflies or other insects will draw the juices out of the leaves, turning them yellow. Rinse the leaves with a strong spray of water, then spray both sides of the leaves with insecticidal soap (not dish soap) to kill any remaining insects. Here is a link with pest control ideas:
http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/pests/plant_pests/indoor/hgic2252.html
http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/pests/plant_pests/indoor/hgic2252.html
I hope this helps. If you have more questions, please write us again.
