The correct way to handle a lucky bamboo that is about to die

1. Observe the root system

If a lucky bamboo has rooted normally and has been growing in a hydroponic vase for 1-2 years, its roots will show some signs of aging, so their absorption capacity weakens and they cannot supply the plant with nutrients, resulting in yellow leaves, wilting and similar symptoms. So, if we find that all the roots in the hydroponic vase have turned yellow and black and are seriously aged, we must clear away these roots.

2. Cut off the root system

For a lucky bamboo that has been grown for more than 1 year, we should not just trim off part of the aged roots, but cut off all the roots at its base.

After taking the lucky bamboo out of the water, use scissors to snip off all the rooted part at the bottom.

3. Make a diagonal cut at the bottom

On the cut end of the lucky bamboo after all its roots have been cut off, you can use a sharp knife to make another diagonal cut into a horseshoe shape, to help it absorb water.

4. Remove the yellow leaves

Remove all the yellow leaves of the lucky bamboo to avoid consuming nutrients.

5. Clean the hydroponic vase

Pour out all the water from the original hydroponic vase, carefully clean the walls of the vase, and after it is clean, pour in clean fresh water. Do not pour in too much water; about 1/3 of the whole vase is enough.

6. Put in the lucky bamboo

Insert the diagonally cut lucky bamboo into the clean hydroponic vase and place it in a spot with diffused light and good ventilation.

7. Care before rooting

Before the lucky bamboo has grown roots, change the water in the hydroponic vase once every 2-3 days, and at the same time spray water on the leaves twice a day.

8. Care after rooting

In the current season, the lucky bamboo will grow white roots in about 7-15 days. After rooting, there is no need to change the water so frequently; just add water to the hydroponic vase when the water level is below 1/3.

9. How to fertilize

Two months after the roots have grown, we can gradually give the lucky bamboo some fertilizer. The fertilizer must not be too concentrated; just put in 1-2 granules of slow-release fertilizer each month.

10. The reason for cutting the roots

It is best to cut the roots of a lucky bamboo every year to renew the root system. Newly grown roots have a stronger absorption capacity, so they can continuously supply the plant with nutrients and reduce the occurrence of yellow leaves!

To grow lucky bamboo well, everything you want to know about lucky bamboo cultivation is on Four Seasons Plants website!

Hydroponic lucky bamboo needs to be treated

When growing lucky bamboo hydroponically, it needs to be treated so that it can root quickly. First clean the base of the lucky bamboo stem, use a small knife to make a diagonal cut at the base at a 45° angle, and then place it in water. Note that the water for hydroponics cannot be tap water used directly; it should be left to stand for a day before use.

When growing lucky bamboo hydroponically, to help it root better, you need to pay attention to the following points.

First, do not fiddle with the lucky bamboo every day, such as frequently taking the stems out to check them, and do not change its position often.

Second, when growing it hydroponically, do not place the lucky bamboo on the TV or similar places; at least do not put it there before it has rooted.

Third, do not put the lucky bamboo in a place with direct sunlight; it should be placed in a cool, ventilated spot, and the roots can be shaded dark by wrapping them with newspaper. Fourth, in everyday care, you can just add water at first without changing the water; wait until after it has rooted and then change the water.

What is the difference between lucky bamboo and lotus bamboo? What are the benefits of keeping lucky bamboo at home?

Lucky bamboo is a very common small potted plant, often used for decoration in bedrooms, studies, living rooms and many other places. It is very easy to grow and can root in water. Many plant lovers keep a pot at home, as it symbolizes prosperity and good fortune. When buying one, people find that a hydroponic plant called lotus bamboo looks very similar to it, and plant lovers cannot tell them apart. Let us take a look at the differences between them.

What is the difference between lucky bamboo and lotus bamboo?

1. Appearance characteristics

Lucky bamboo: an ornamental plant belonging to the small tree category, usually able to grow to a height of 2 m, and its branches look rather slender. It also has many branches, and the main stem grows relatively thick and rather straight.

The leaves are like bamboo leaves, generally growing in an opposite arrangement. The leaves are rather pointed and slender and rather deep green in color. The leaves can generally reach more than 20 cm in length, and the leaf stalk is relatively short, generally 10 cm. Lucky bamboo can flower and bear fruit, in purple and black colors.

Lotus bamboo: the leaf color looks lighter than that of lucky bamboo. Its stem is round like bamboo, and its leaves are like lotus leaves. Lotus bamboo can survive in a dark, damp environment and has fairly strong vitality; as long as it is watered properly, it can grow healthily and vigorously.

2. Growth habits

Lucky bamboo: better suited to a warm growing environment. It can grow normally when the temperature reaches around 20°C, and it is an evergreen plant all year round. Too low a temperature can easily prevent the roots from absorbing water well, causing the leaves to turn yellow or develop spots, so normal light and temperature must be ensured.

Lotus bamboo: the suitable growing temperature is between around 26 and 29°C. In winter, the lowest nighttime temperature must be above 10°C. Lotus bamboo prefers a humid environment; placing it in a spot with diffused sunlight is enough. Keeping the soil breathable and well drained will let it grow better and faster.

What are the benefits of keeping lucky bamboo at home?

1. Lucky bamboo is delicate and unique, an excellent ornamental

Lucky bamboo is suitable as a small potted plant, often arranged in bedrooms, studies, living rooms and other places, or on a desk, coffee table or countertop. The stems of lucky bamboo are highly malleable, elegant and refined, delicate and unique, with very good ornamental value.

2. Lucky bamboo leaves are elegant and refined, and can beautify the environment

Placing a pot of lucky bamboo at home gives people a fresh feeling and enriches a monotonous room. Moreover, lucky bamboo has always been used to display integrity; lucky bamboo at home can show the owner's taste, style and noble pursuits.

3. Lucky bamboo releases oxygen and can purify the air

Lucky bamboo is a foliage plant and has the effect of freshening the air. During the day, lucky bamboo carries out photosynthesis and releases oxygen, purifying the indoor air to a certain extent. But the air-purifying ability of lucky bamboo is limited; do not expect lucky bamboo to be your air purifier.

4. Lucky bamboo symbolizes great fortune and prosperity, and can change one's luck

Just hearing the name lucky bamboo sounds auspicious; it represents a beautiful meaning. In feng shui, lucky bamboo is used to promote official career luck and academic luck. If there is a student in the family who is going to take exams, you might as well place 4 lucky bamboos at the Wenchang position at home, for a beautiful meaning.

What varieties of lucky bamboo are there?

1. Golden-heart lucky bamboo

Golden-heart lucky bamboo is very easy to recognize. It generally has green-yellow or golden-yellow stripes, is relatively special, and its stem is generally rather thick and strong, with leaves mostly dark green.

2. Silver-heart lucky bamboo

Silver-heart lucky bamboo and golden-heart lucky bamboo are very similar. The more obvious difference is that the center of the leaf of silver-heart lucky bamboo has a white longitudinal stripe.

3. Silver-edge lucky bamboo

The edge of silver-edge lucky bamboo generally has a broad silvery-white band, very eye-catching, so it is also much liked.

4. Golden-edge lucky bamboo

It is very similar to silver-edge lucky bamboo, one could say they are sister varieties. The only difference is that its leaf edge is golden yellow, exactly corresponding to silver-edge lucky bamboo.

How to grow lucky bamboo hydroponically

1. Trim the roots and leaves

Before hydroponics, cut off the leaves at the base. The specific amount depends on the size of the container; just remove the leaves below the mouth of the vase. In addition, use scissors or a knife to cut off part of the root at an angle, so that the lucky bamboo can absorb water better. Try to keep the cut surface smooth.

2. Water volume control and choice of water

For hydroponic lucky bamboo, it is best to use well water or purified water. If using tap water, it is best to store it for a day before use. Before hydroponics, add water to the vase until it reaches 1/3 of the vase; do not exceed 2/3, so that too much water does not affect root respiration.

3. Putting it in water

Put the prepared lucky bamboo cutting into the water and set it upright.

Lucky bamboo is elegant and refined, and its symbolism is very good, so friends who like it should get started right away. Its cultivation method is also very simple. Placing a pot at home can not only purify the air, but also bring in wealth and treasure.