GrahamC Posted September 16, 2012 Report Share Posted September 16, 2012 Around xmas time I bought a few stems of lucky bamboo. I've been changing the water every couple of weeks or more frequently using the water from my goldfish tank. The stems are kept away from direct sunshine and I've not added any micronutrients. But several of the stems have now started to yellow from the top down. Is fish water laden with nitrates too strong for these guys? Or should I be adding micronutrients? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
livebearer_breeder Posted September 16, 2012 Report Share Posted September 16, 2012 I keep mine in direct light on my window sill and just top up water, gets about 6-8 hours of light a day. I've noticed it usually yellows at the ends before new shoots form. This may be what's going on? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrahamC Posted September 16, 2012 Author Report Share Posted September 16, 2012 Don't think so ... mine went yellow at the ends and then went all soft. I had to cut it back below the yellow stem, and should've sealed it with wax to stop rot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hamstar99 Posted September 16, 2012 Report Share Posted September 16, 2012 Mine does the same and doesnt seem to come right. Hasnt died either though and ive had it a couple of years. Doesnt seem to grow or get new shoots either. Roots are healthy. They supposedly dont like rich soil or food so i dont feed it my fish water just rain water. I would love to know how to make it look healthy too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrahamC Posted September 16, 2012 Author Report Share Posted September 16, 2012 This is what is happening .. not yellowing from the roots up as you see reported in other fora and the roots look okay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrahamC Posted September 16, 2012 Author Report Share Posted September 16, 2012 BTW, the only reason I got the lucky bamboo in the first place was because I saw someone on youtube had a whole bunch of the stuff which he was using in his sump as a nitrate scrubber. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spoon Posted September 16, 2012 Report Share Posted September 16, 2012 we have heaps of them cut them down to a node below the yellow reguarly change the water no ferts at all just grown in stones and water they dont like bright light much and are slow growers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hamstar99 Posted September 16, 2012 Report Share Posted September 16, 2012 maybe stop feeding it the fish water as well? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrahamC Posted September 16, 2012 Author Report Share Posted September 16, 2012 Ok, sounds like I've been overfeeding them ... will just use dechlorinated water from now on to see if they recover. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sophia Posted September 16, 2012 Report Share Posted September 16, 2012 what if they are only lucky when they're green? :nilly: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F15hguy Posted September 16, 2012 Report Share Posted September 16, 2012 Caring for Your Lucky Bamboo Light: Lucky bamboo prefer bright, filtered sunlight, such as found under a rainforest canopy. Avoid direct sunlight as it will scorch the leaves. They are more tolerant of too little light than too much. If the plant begins to stretch, however, or the green fades, provide more light. Watering: Lucky bamboo can grow indefinitely in a simple vase filled with pebbles (for support) and at least an inch of water. However, they are very sensitive to chlorine and other chemicals commonly found in tap water. Water your lucky bamboo only with bottled or distilled water, or tap water that has been left out for 24 hours to allow the chlorine to evaporate. Healthy lucky bamboo roots are red, so don't be alarmed in a glass vase if you can see red roots. Finally, good hygiene recommends that you change the water weekly. Temperature: Lucky bamboo likes warmer temperatures of between 65ºF and 90ºF. Do not place the plants in front of air conditioning or heating vents. Potting Media: In addition to water, lucky bamboo can be grown in a well-drained, rich potting soil. Keep the soil moist, but not soaking. Water as you would any Dracaena species. Fertilizer: Plants grown in water will only need to be fed every other month or so, using a very weak liquid fertilizer. A single drop of liquid fertilizer is plenty for most lucky bamboo arrangements. Alternatively, specialty lucky bamboo fertilizers are available. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Insect Direct Posted September 16, 2012 Report Share Posted September 16, 2012 i have a some growing in my frog tank. very nice :thup: :nilly: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrahamC Posted September 16, 2012 Author Report Share Posted September 16, 2012 Got a picture? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Li@m Posted September 16, 2012 Report Share Posted September 16, 2012 We have some in a little glass jar and the plant is about 70cm tall it is root bound but still going strong and gets watered every now and then. One thing is that it is right beside the window which is frosted. I also think that being right beside the shower helps keeping it nice and warm and moist. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaide Posted September 16, 2012 Report Share Posted September 16, 2012 They prefer to be root bound and sit in water. Mine is also in the small pot with stones it came in and also yellowing. It's in a sunny room but not direct sunlight. Says on the instructions: Temperature: requires warm conditoins, indoors only. Watering: roos need to be submerged in water at all times. Light: low light, avoid direct sunlight. OK, but a girl at work has one growing well and it's a bright sunny room at the office - maybe airconditioned rooms help :dunno: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Insect Direct Posted September 16, 2012 Report Share Posted September 16, 2012 slow growing ime. below is a bit that broke off the main plant i have. that's growing at an ok rate .. original plant must be 6-12months old, has a couple of shoots out the side about half the size of the above one . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrahamC Posted September 16, 2012 Author Report Share Posted September 16, 2012 Is that a couple of frogs perched on the top leaf? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Insect Direct Posted September 16, 2012 Report Share Posted September 16, 2012 yep and frog fertiliser on the other leaves. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Insect Direct Posted September 23, 2012 Report Share Posted September 23, 2012 "Q: What causes yellowing? A: If the plant is exposed to too much sun even once in it's life time it will turn yellow. During the winter if it is kept in extremely cold water it will turn yellow. If it is infected it will turn yellow." http://askville.amazon.com/bamboo-stalk ... d=54045491 who knows, but mine are doing well at about 20-22C.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A-town... Posted September 23, 2012 Report Share Posted September 23, 2012 I have a couple and have always been tempted to try this seems they do like aquarium water Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F15hguy Posted September 23, 2012 Report Share Posted September 23, 2012 "Q: What causes yellowing? A: If the plant is exposed to too much sun even once in it's life time it will turn yellow. During the winter if it is kept in extremely cold water it will turn yellow. If it is infected it will turn yellow." http://askville.amazon.com/bamboo-stalk ... d=54045491 who knows, but mine are doing well at about 20-22C.... so in general, your lucky bamboo might turn yellow for a number of reasons or absolutely no reason, and that they like rich/poor wet/dry soil and lot/little light and warm/cold temperatures is it called lucky because if you get it right your damn lucky??? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrahamC Posted September 23, 2012 Author Report Share Posted September 23, 2012 Yep, that sums it up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F15hguy Posted September 24, 2012 Report Share Posted September 24, 2012 I see why you bought it, it seems to follow the same rules as fish keeping Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaide Posted September 24, 2012 Report Share Posted September 24, 2012 Clip here says how to save the plant if it's yellowing (or at least take cuttings if the main stalk is yellowing) to start new plants: This one shows a good way to water Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrahamC Posted September 25, 2012 Author Report Share Posted September 25, 2012 I've seen those videos before but I decided to do the surgery now. So, I've amputated the laterals and replanted those, and also cut below the yellow stem, and sealed with wax. Looks like some type of infection spreading down the stem so I may be too late Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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