
There are a number of reasons for a yellowing bamboo plant. Read on to know how to avoid this condition.
Bamboo houseplant, popularly known as the lucky bamboo, is actually not a bamboo at all. It is, in fact, a resilient member of the lily family, which is capable of growing in dark or low-lit environment. Due this ability, it is found in the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia and Africa. The botanical name for it is Dracaena. It makes a perfect houseplant or office plant due to its low maintenance. However, improper care can lead to some problems; one of them is the yellowing of the plant. Mostly, you can see the leaves turning yellow. However, in some worse cases, the bamboo plant stalk also can be observed to be getting in the same condition. Let us look at the causes behind this, and the solutions to recover the plant’s health.
Yellowing Leaves
Here are the causes behind the leaves of the feng shui bamboo turning yellow. Also find the measures you can take in such a situation.
Environment Problem: Sometimes, the leaves of the plant will turn yellow if the proper environmental factors like light, heat, humidity are not maintained. In such a case, you observe the tips of the leaves lightening in color. You will have to cut the leaves, using a sharp, clean pair of scissors.
Water-related Problems: This is a common problem. In case you observe brown tips, it means that the plant has not been provided water for a long duration. Another problem could be occurring due to the use of tap water contaminated with chemicals like fluoride or chlorine. In this case you can use spring water which is at room temperature.
Lack of Nutrients: In such a situation, try adding a little mild fertilizer to fortify the leaves and stems of the plant. This will retain its nutritional balance to the optimum level.
Sunlight: Inadequate or over-exposure can lead to yellowing and falling of the leaves. Make sure that the plant is not kept in very cold temperatures, or that you haven’t placed the plant under an AC vent. While container gardening lucky bamboo, make sure it is not placed at a location where it gets sunlight for prolonged hours, as this gives it a sunburn.
Yellowing Stalk
Here are the reasons which could result in the stalk or stem of the plant turning yellow, as well as the measures you can take to rescue it from this condition.
Water Problems: Yellowing bamboo stalk is caused commonly due to inadequate watering. Chemically polluted, toxic water or chemical fertilizers can also lead to yellow stalks. Therefore, make sure you use gentle fertilizer and bottled spring water.
Cold Weather: During winter, if you observe the stalk turning yellow, it is due to extremely low temperatures. For indoor gardening during winters, make sure you provide lukewarm water, and keep it in a warm place.
Mites: If you observe webbing, brown, sticky material on the leaves or stalk, it could be a sign pointing to mites. In such a case you can use a mild pesticide. Replace the plant if it shows no progress even after using the pesticide.
Fungus: This is a very common problem in cheaply produced lucky bamboo plants. This causes premature death of the plant, which means you should always buy it from high quality suppliers. If you experience yellowing of stalk due to a fungal infection, it is better to get rid of the plant.
Even after following the solutions, if the plant is not showing any progress, it is better to get rid of it. Sometimes, if your plant is over 4-6 years of age, then the stalk will turn yellow with age. That is, it is an indication that it is coming close to its natural death.