Can i cut back lucky bamboo if the leaves loo bad?

tlbean2004

8 years ago

I got this lucky bamboo on clearance but the leaves were bad looking. They had it sitting in full sun and they got washed out.

Can i cut the cane right under the leaves and have new growth appear?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

jentsu926
8 years ago
This article says you can cut an inch above a node and the plant will grow new leaves:

http://www.flowershopnetwork.com/blog/topping-rooting-lucky-bamboo/

You could also (just an option) keep your existing leaves by trimming the remaining green part into a smaller shape that matches the shape of the existing leaves. I do this for the occasional broken leave or yellow tip, and usually no one can tell.
Photo Synthesis
8 years ago
I wouldn't prune them. Because then you'd be removing their primary source of making their own food via photosynthesis. Doing so would set your plant back even further. Even though the leaves don't look their best, they can still photosynthesize food for the plant. This will help it to grow newer, healthier leaves much faster.

With plants, patience is most definitely a virtue. Some people want instantaneous results, and/or plants that look more appealing right away, and plants just don't work like that. You have to give them time to overcome these hurdles and eventually come out even better looking. It will grow bigger and better, just give them that which they need, bright light and fresh water, and the plants will take care of the rest. These plants will always grow new leaves and eventually shed the older ones. Before you know it, these older leaves will be nothing more than a distant memory. :)
Related Discussions
Should I switch lucky bamboo to dirt?
Q
Comments (21)
riptide, it doesn't sound silly to be attached to a plant. If it is, all of us sillies can keep each other company. You have to keep in the back of your mind when reading people's experiences with this, what motivated them to change their plant? In MOST cases I'll bet it was because it was visibly unhealthy in some way and they wanted to fix it. Sound familiar? So it's not really fair to gather the collective story of scores of unhealthy, struggling plants and call the result of such a definitive answer. It's impossible to know how bad-off all of these plants were when their owners felt desperation. I've grown many a plant in water for extended periods of time, years. So I know what the root ball likely looks like, and ball is an accurate word. What was done to these gangly masses of roots between the decorative glass container and the pot of soil? What was in that soil? Where was the plant then put - what kind of light? Temperature? Water? The variables are endless. So your experiment sounds good because I think it will give you confidence, assuming it goes well. But I don't think it has any real bearing on your other plant. If you'd like some more specific suggestions in regard to your particular plant (although this philosophical discussion has been engrossing,) I hope you can post a picture or two of it. Then people who have done this before can refer to a specific leaf or root and it will be clear to everyone. TG, a lot of people have posted something they wish they could go back and delete. I've made a couple jokes that totally missed the mark, and other things that are still out there in print. Admitting when you've made a mistake and apologizing builds character and everybody hates when they have to do it.
...See More
Need Help with Lucky Bamboo ( not real boo I know)
Q
Comments (11)
Care of lucky bamboo: All lucky bamboo needs to grow is a container,clean water and polished stones to keep the stalks upright. It doesnÂt do well with fluoride,so tap water is not preferable.If you must use tap water,let it sit out overnight before using.This will cause the chloride to evaporate,but wonÂt get rid of the fluoride.Change the water once a month adding a drop of fertilizer if you want rapid growth.It doesnÂt like to be over-fertilized though. DonÂt wash the stones as the nutrients are stored in the rocks. Also donÂt fill the container too full (especially a tall vase) as they will cause the bamboo to sprout roots higher on the stalk.The roots need to be totally submerged in water though. Place the bamboo in an area with bright filtered light.It will also do well in a room with no natural light. Exposure to sunlight, treated water,roots that arenÂt in the water,or sudden tem- perature changes can cause problems for lucky bamboo.If the leaves start to turn yellow,check the lighting,change the water using only filtered or distilled water,and/or move it out of drafts or away from furnace registers. Trim yellow leaves with a sharp clean scissors.This should bring it back to health. High salt levels can also burn the tips of leaves.Salt buildup can come from city water or fertilizer.Fertilize with care.
...See More
Suffering Lucky Bamboo
Q
Comments (2)
I would cut off the tops down to where it starts getting yellow and put them in water. I have done that and they will re-root in a few weeks. They will do fine as long as you get all the yuck cut away. Christine P.S.next time you may want to post over in the houseplant section, theres alot more action over there...
...See More
Is my lucky bamboo dying?
Q
Comments (1)
Sounds like a pest, try spraying insecticide on the leaves and remove any sticky residue on the leaves, if you think this is NOT the case then another thing it could be is a fungus infection on the leaves, witch does spread, if you think this is the case, mix a bit of baking soda with water and spray on the plant changing the ph and killing fungus, Or buy any sort of fungicide spray this is just my theory, Also place it by a window that receives....meh .. just enough light to cast a shadow, White and orange roots sound healthy to me, also i don't think the braid being too tight will cause white sticky stuff too appear, If all else fails, Try to propagate whatever healthy growth you have left on any of the near death or dying stalks :), Also check this guys channel for any additional info https://www.youtube.com/user/LuckyBambooExpert I really hope this helped even in the slightest bit, i see no one answers on this forum hopefully i got to you in time lol,
...See More
Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
8 years ago
Should you decide to cut stems, new growth from them would be side-stems, not straight out of the top of where the cut is made. Cutting them at various heights would (eventually) result in the most possible coverage/bushiness of new leaf mass, assuming all stems make new side growths. When I've cut the variegated kind, only new root shoots appear. The older, cut stems shrivel up.

Is your plant in water or soil?
tlbean2004
Original Author
8 years ago
The plant is in water. Should i move it to soil next spring?
Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
8 years ago
IDK about should, but you definitely could. Water plants often die within about 5 yrs.

Related Stories

DECORATING GUIDES Improve Your Style Fortune With Lucky Bamboo

By creative jewish mom.com

Serve this versatile plant straight up or with a twist for auspicious living decor that thrives without soil

Full Story

LANDSCAPE DESIGN Small Garden? You Can Still Do Bamboo

By Matt Kilburn

Forget luck. Having bamboo that thrives on a wee plot just takes planning, picking the right variety, and keeping runners in check

Full Story

GREEN DECORATING Bamboo Products — Earth Friend or Foe?

By Julia Pockett

The ecofriendliness of this grass for flooring, wall coverings and furniture isn't cut and dried. Get the facts here

Full Story

By Becky Harris

A dramatic 2-story porch becomes the centerpiece of this Ohio family’s renovated landscape

Full Story

137

GARDENING GUIDES 7 Ecofriendly Gardening Ideas That Also Cut Chore Time

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Spend less time weeding, less money watering and more moments just sitting back and enjoying your healthy garden

Full Story

LIFE The Polite House: How Can I Kindly Get Party Guests to Use Coasters?

By Lizzie Post

Here’s how to handle the age-old entertaining conundrum to protect your furniture — and friendships

Full Story

LIFE The Polite House: How Can I Tell a Construction Crew to Pipe Down?

By Lizzie Post

If workers around your home are doing things that bother you, there’s a diplomatic way to approach them

Full Story

DECLUTTERING Downsizing Help: Choosing What Furniture to Leave Behind

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

What to take, what to buy, how to make your favorite furniture fit ... get some answers from a homeowner who scaled way down

Full Story

DECORATING GUIDES 9 Easy Ways to Decorate With Autumn Leaves

By Vanessa Brunner

Give your home a burst of color that can be used Halloween through Thanksgiving

Full Story

HOME OFFICES Quiet, Please! How to Cut Noise Pollution at Home

By Christine Ciarmello

Leaf blowers, trucks or noisy neighbors driving you berserk? These sound-reduction strategies can help you hush things up

Full Story

102

Can i cut back lucky bamboo if the leaves loo bad?

Comments (5)

jentsu926

Photo Synthesis

Related Discussions

Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL

tlbean2004
Original Author

Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Can i cut back lucky bamboo if the leaves loo bad?

Comments (5)

jentsu926

Photo Synthesis

Related Discussions

Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL

tlbean2004Original Author

Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

tlbean2004
Original Author